Coronavirus update: Southern states total more than 3,000 cases; Louisiana more than 760

Published 9:13 pm Saturday, March 21, 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.

Here’s a breakdown, by state, from Saturday evening:

Alabama: 131 positive cases, 0 deaths.
Arkansas: 118 positive cases.
Florida: 706 positive cases, 12 deaths.
Georgia: 555 positive cases, 20 deaths.
Louisiana: 763 positive cases, 20 deaths.
Mississippi: 140 positive cases, 1 death.
Tennessee: 371 positives cases.
Texas: 304 positive cases, 5 deaths.

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Total cases across the South: 3,088

The number of people infected worldwide surpassed the 305,000 mark. Deaths were more than 13,000, but the number of people considered recovered reached more than 92,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The University’s tracking shows approximately 25,493 cases in the U.S., making the U.S. the country with the fourth highest number of cases behind China, Italy and Spain, which reported 81,321, 53,578 and 25,496 respectively.

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