Coronavirus update: Mississippi and Louisiana report more cases overnight. More than 800 cases across South.
Published 9:57 am Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Here’s an update on the number of positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus as reported by state health departments across the South.
Louisiana’s reported number grew by 44 cases, or 22% overnight.
Mississippi’s cases grew by 13 cases or 60%.
Here’s a breakdown, by state, from Wednesday morning (note, not all states have reported new numbers today):
Alabama: 39 positive cases, 0 deaths.
Arkansas: 22 positive cases, 0 deaths.
Florida: 195 positive cases, 7 deaths.
Georgia: 146 positive cases, 1 death.
Louisiana: 240 positive cases, 4 deaths.
Mississippi: 34 positive cases, no deaths.
Tennessee: 73 positives cases, no deaths.
Texas: 64 positive cases, 1 death.
The number of people infected worldwide surpassed the 200,000 mark. Deaths topped 8,000, but the number of people considered recovered reached over 82,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The countries with the most confirmed cases were China, Italy, Iran, Spain and Germany. The countries with the most confirmed deaths were China, Italy, Iran, Spain and France.
Everyone is warned to take the necessary precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy.
These precautions include:
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
Avoiding touching your face
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoiding close contact with others
And staying home if you are sick
The Associated Press contributed to this article.