An additional case of COVID-19 was positively identified Wednesday, bringing the total in Lincoln County to 14. There have been no deaths.

The Mississippi State Department of Health noted an additional 104 cases identified state-wide. Four additional deaths were reported, bringing the total to 26 deaths and 1,177 cases as of Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the same day Gov. Tate Reeves issued a state-wide order closing all non-essential businesses and ordering everyone to shelter in place, King’s Daughters Medical Center published an open letter from medical staff urging the public to follow the order, along with CDC recommendations.

“Lincoln County has 13 positive cases through March 31,” the letter said. “Eight of these patients have been hospitalized at KDMC, along with another 15 suspected cases. These include ages of 35, 45, 52, 73, 78, 87 and 88 years who have become critically ill. A surge of patients is expected all across Mississippi over the next two weeks.”

The letter noted that KDMC had only 8 ICU beds and a limited number of ventilators and staff.

“Personal protective equipment and other supplies are dwindling and difficult to obtain,” the letter said. “Other, larger hospitals will be full as well, and patient transfer will not be an option.”

KDMC will continue to do its part, but needs the community to shelter in place to reduce the impact on the healthcare system. It was signed by KDMC Doctors Jeff Rose, Josh Iles and Dena Jackson, with an additional 35 KDMC doctors attaching their names to the letter.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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.

Mobile screening

KDMC has set up a mobile screening site behind the emergency room that is open to the public between 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week. The screening is available for people age 12 and up. KDMC is asking everyone call 601-835-9455 before visiting the screening site, which is accessed by following the signs on Brookman Drive.