As of Wednesday morning, there have been two new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County, according to Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey. There have been no deaths.

This brings the total known cases to 13. Galey said he believes there is a good possibility that there are people sick who have not been tested or who are waiting for their results. The only way to prevent the spread of the disease is by keeping your distance, he said.

“We need to do the social distancing,” he said. “We need to stay away from each other. If we have to go to town and get something, go get it and get back. Don’t everybody go together. One person do it. And wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.”

State-wide, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported an additional 136 cases and two deaths Wednesday, bringing the number up to 1,073 total cases and 22 deaths.

While the majority of deaths occur in the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, COVID-19 can effect people of all ages. The MSDH data lists one death between the ages of 30-39 and two between the ages of 40-49.

While there are clinical trials investigating a number of drugs underway, there are currently no known effective treatments for COVID-19 and no vaccine to prevent the virus.

Additionally, the disease requires an unusual number of patients to be hospitalized. According to MSDH data, 31 percent of known cases state-wide have required hospitalization, leading to concerns that the state could run out of beds and the ventilators needed to help the most severe cases breath.

“We’ve got to get the message out and hope people where adhere to it and do what’s necessary to stop the spread,” Galey said.

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Additionally, they advise that anyone should seek immediate medical attention if they experience trouble breathing, persistent pressure or pain in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or bluish lips or face.