Connect with us

Mississippi News

Free at-home COVID tests available

Published

3 years ago

on

Data Dive: Omicron’s case surge, at-home test shortage

by Nigel Dent, Mississippi Today
January 22, 2022

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the emergence of the omicron variant happened around late November 2021, with the first case in the United States showing up on Dec. 1. Noted as the most infectious variant today that causes, generally, milder illness than the delta variant, other notable consequences of the omicron surge include hospitals filling back up, unprecedented daily case numbers and a shortage of rapid antigen at-home tests.

Previously, test numbers peaked a year ago around 121,000 but were almost eclipsed in September due to the delta variant. In January 2022, the number of COVID tests conducted has reached a new peak of more than 293,ooo, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Have you had difficulty getting tested for COVID-19 in 2022? Please click here to let us know about your experiences in this brief survey!

View the data on late fall’s surge of omicron cases from November to now:

!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var t=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var a in e.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;r<t.length;r++){if(t[r].contentWindow===e.source)t[r].style.height=e.data["datawrapper-height"][a]+"px"}}}))}();

This week, the government has started offering an allotment of four free at-home COVID tests per U.S. household (not per person), available to order since Tuesday, Jan. 18 through U.S. Postal Service or since Wednesday through the official government site. Despite this effort to combat the testing shortage, there have been some noted issues with ordering tests, such as some apartment owners not being able to order due to claims of using a ‘duplicate address.’

Ordering tests is completely free, and they ship in about 7-12 days.

READ MORE:

• As omicron rages through Mississippi, treatments are in short supply

• Holiday plans, masks, vaccine efficacy: State epidemiologist discusses COVID-19 omicron variant

• Omicron leads a ‘fifth wave’ of COVID in Mississippi, experts say

• Order free at-home COVID tests here or here.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related Topics:

Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

1 day ago

on

June 15, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

Read the full article

The post Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

3 days ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

Read the full article

The post Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15

Published

3 days ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-13 07:54:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15 appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Trending