Louisiana health department officials reported the highest single-day jump in coronavirus-related deaths Sunday as 68 people were added to the virus’ death toll.

In all an additional 514 positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus were reported, bringing the state’s total to 13,010. The Louisiana death toll climbed to 477.

The virus has been detected in all but three of the states 64 parishes, the state health officials reported.

The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients Sunday was reportedly 1,803, an increase of 77 since Saturday’s update.

On a more positive note, the number of patients on ventilators dropped by 10 patients, but it’s likely that drop is related to some of those severely ill patients dying.

Across the South, the number of cases of the coronavirus continue to drive higher as well.

Here are the results through Saturday afternoon:

Alabama: 1,772 positive cases, 45 deaths.
Arkansas: 830 positive cases, 16 deaths.
Florida: 11,764 positive cases, 218 deaths.
Georgia: 6,647 positive cases, 211 deaths.
Louisiana: 13,010 positive cases, 477 deaths.
Mississippi: 1,638 positive cases, 43 deaths.
Tennessee: 3,633 positives cases, 44 deaths.
Texas: 6,812 positive cases, 127 deaths.

Total cases across the Deep South: 46,106.

The number of people infected worldwide surpassed the 1.26 million mark. Deaths were more than 68,400, but the number of people considered recovered reached more than 258,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The University’s tracking shows approximately 331,000 cases in the U.S., making the U.S. the country with the highest number of cases in the world.

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