Mississippi News
COVID-19: Health department reviews guidance for schools
Health department reviewing COVID-19 guidance for schools after CDC updates recommendations
The Mississippi Department of Health is reevaluating its COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) loosening its own recommendations on Aug. 11.
The new CDC guidance further emphasizes individual risk mitigation over population-level precautions.
“We know that COVID-19 is here to stay,” Greta Massetti, a CDC epidemiologist, said at a press conference following the release of the new guidance. “High levels of population immunity due to vaccination and previous infection, and the many tools that we have available to protect people from severe illness and death, have put us in a different place.”
Over the course of the pandemic, COVID-19 has infected over 896,000 Mississippians and killed nearly 13,000. Mississippi has the highest per capita death rate from COVID-19 of any state in the nation, with 427 deaths for every 100,000 people, compared to a national average of 311, according to the New York Times.
CDC guidance no longer differentiates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people in its recommendations. Mississippi remains one of the least vaccinated states in the nation, only ahead of Wyoming, according to CDC data. Just 53% of the state's population has been fully vaccinated and only 21% have received a booster dose.
The state health department's COVID-19 guidance for the current school year was released in July. In its current form, it recommends actions no longer included in CDC guidelines.
The CDC removed a recommendation that kids who are contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 take regular tests, and test negative, to remain in the classroom. The process was known as “test-to-stay.”
Schools in Mississippi are able to receive at-home BinaxNOW COVID-19 tests through its School Based Screening Testing Initiative. One of the allowed uses for these tests is test-to-stay initiatives, and the department recommends that asymptomatic teachers and students receive a negative test on days one, three and five after exposure to remain in the classroom.
“MSDH is aware of the updated guidance from CDC and is currently reviewing to determine the modifications and updates that will be needed in Mississippi's guidance to schools moving forward,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said.
The CDC no longer recommends a practice known as cohorting in schools. In cohorting, students are divided into smaller groups and contact between them is limited to avoid potential transmission.
The new guidelines note that schools should consider continuing surveillance testing in certain situations, such as when students are returning from school breaks or for certain groups at higher risk of transmitting the virus, such those who play contact sports.
Indoor masking is still recommended for areas with high levels of community transmission.
The new CDC guidance no longer recommends quarantining after exposure, but instead wearing a high-quality mask for 10 days and testing on day 5 after exposure. The new guidance also removed the recommendation for social distancing by standing six feet apart from others.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Man arrested for fatal shooting on Gordon Street in Jackson
SUMMARY: Jackson police arrested Larry Stewart, 44, in connection to a recent homicide on Gordon Street. The victim, Ceasar Abrego, was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on April 28. Stewart has been charged with murder and drive-by shooting. Anyone with information can contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The post Man arrested for fatal shooting on Gordon Street in Jackson appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
New Jackson parking meters get mixed response
SUMMARY: The City of Jackson is losing revenue due to broken parking meters, prompting the installation of new touchscreen kiosks in the downtown area. Despite the $1.00 per hour parking cost and a two-week grace period, some residents are concerned about additional expenses. Others see the kiosks as a positive step towards progress. Suggestions for using the revenue generated include infrastructure improvements and addressing other needs of the city. Overall, opinions on the kiosks are mixed, with some residents supporting the move as a way to collect additional revenue. Enforcement of the new parking requirement will be done by the Jackson Police Department and the meter managing company SP Plus.
The post New Jackson parking meters get mixed response appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Lowndes Co. deputies track down man accused of choking partner
SUMMARY: Corey Beard, a 31-year-old man from Lowndes County, Mississippi, was charged with aggravated assault/domestic violence by strangulation after allegedly putting his partner in a chokehold. Deputies responded to the incident on Wenonah Drive, where the victim reported losing consciousness and being hit in the face. Signs of abuse were observed by the deputies, leading to Beard's arrest on Tuesday. His bond has not been set, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Stay updated with 24/7 news on Facebook and X for more information on this crime in the local area.
The post Lowndes Co. deputies track down man accused of choking partner appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
SuperTalk FM6 days ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
SuperTalk FM5 days ago
State approves $160M to expand Highway 7 to four lanes in Lafayette County
-
SuperTalk FM2 days ago
Legislation outlawing ‘squatted’ vehicles in Mississippi signed into law
-
Mississippi News3 days ago
LCSO wants people aware of a scam circling the area
-
Mississippi Today3 days ago
On this day in 1917
-
228Sports1 day ago
PRC’s Bats Come Alive Late As Blue Devils Beat Picayune To Advance To 6A South State Title Series
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Altercation at Mississippi police department leads to officer-involved shooting
-
Mississippi News3 days ago
Winston Co. Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting at Dave’s Club