Mississippi News
Omicron leads a ‘fifth wave’ of COVID in Mississippi, experts say
Omicron leads a ‘fifth wave' of COVID in Mississippi, experts say
The omicron variant is now the dominant strain in Mississippi and is causing a significant increase in case numbers across the state.
In a press briefing Wednesday, the Mississippi Department of Health said case numbers for the last seven days are double what they were the week before, and since Dec. 20, 67% of cases in Mississippi have been caused by the omicron variant.
“We really are now in the fifth wave of COVID for Mississippi,” said Dr. Paul Byers, state epidemiologist.
The Department of Health has been working to expand access to testing in areas with high demand and has increased the number of available testing slots across the state by 5,000 since Sunday night up to 20,301 slots. Around 13,000 of those slots were filled at the time of the briefing. Testing is also available through local physicians' offices and clinics.
To make an appointment for the Health Department's free testing, click here.
Jim Craig, director of the office of health protection, said that while Mississippi does not currently have a shortage of test kits, he expressed concern about the ongoing healthcare worker shortage in the state, part of a larger national trend. There have been 1,700 covid-related emergency room visits across the state during the first few days of this week, he said.
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the omicron variant is significantly more contagious than previous forms of the virus, but evidence does suggest that omicron causes less severe illness. He also said that vaccinated people and those with prior infection can still get and spread omicron.
Throughout the briefing, Dobbs and Byers emphasized that getting a booster shot is the best way to get full protection against omicron. Currently, 48% of Mississippians are fully vaccinated, according to the Department of Health. Schedule a vaccine appointment through MSDH here.
READ MORE: Mississippi Today's COVID-19 Vaccine Guide
Monoclonal antibody treatments, which were a critical part of the fight against the delta variant, are generally less effective against omicron. One type of monoclonal antibody has still been effective, but Mississippi currently has a limited supply. Dobbs said that antiviral pills and an increased supply of monoclonal antibodies will be coming soon, but in the meantime, it is important to wear a mask and get vaccinated and boosted.
“We've always said that monoclonals are Plan B and the vaccine is Plan A, and you don't want to rely on your backup plan when Plan A is still an option,” Dobbs said.
Byers and Dobbs also addressed the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance announced Monday, saying that the Department of Health has always followed CDC guidance and it was safe to exit a quarantine after five days as long as a COVID-positive person continues to wear a mask at all times.
“This is really a love thy neighbor sort of moment,” Dobbs said.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors
SUMMARY: The MHSAA announced the annual Miss Softball winners, with three recipients coming from Northeast Mississippi who are currently competing for a state championship. In the 3A category, Mantachie's Ramsey Montgomery won the award with impressive batting and pitching statistics. Lucy Cochran from East Union won the 2A award for the second consecutive season, showcasing exceptional pitching and hitting skills. Emma Mayer from Myrtle was recognized in the 1A category for her outstanding hitting performance this season. All three players have excelled in their respective categories and are contributing significantly to their teams' success in the playoffs.
The post Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: An increase in humidity is expected in Columbus, Mississippi over the next couple of days, with storm chances likely on Wednesday night. Tuesday will be warm and breezy with a few showers and storms possible in the afternoon, some of which may become locally strong. Wednesday will see the potential for widespread showers and storms in the evening as a strong cold front moves through, with the possibility of severe weather. However, nicer weather is expected for the weekend with gradual clearing on Friday and drier conditions on Saturday, although isolated showers may return on Sunday into Monday.
The post Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
JSU welcomes new Women’s Basketball coach
SUMMARY: Margaret Richards has been named the new head coach for the Jackson State Women's Basketball team, marking a new era for the Lady Tigers. Richards previously coached at Alabama A&M for eight years before joining Mercer's staff. She is excited for the new challenge and looks forward to meeting alumni and continuing the team's tradition and history. Richards replaced Tomekia Reed, who left to become the head coach for the Charlotte 49ers. She is eager to hit the ground running and build upon the success of the team.
The post JSU welcomes new Women's Basketball coach appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
SuperTalk FM3 days ago
State approves $160M to expand Highway 7 to four lanes in Lafayette County
-
Mississippi Business6 days ago
Geartek expanding operations in Alcorn County
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Two women accused of shoplifting across southeast captured in Mississippi
-
Mississippi News4 days ago
Altercation at Mississippi police department leads to officer-involved shooting
-
Mississippi News1 day ago
Winston Co. Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting at Dave’s Club
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Starkville police make arrest in shooting at Dawg Wash South
-
Mississippi Today2 days ago
On this day in 1917