Two Lincoln County residents of long-term care facilities have died from COVID-19 since Thursday.

This brings the total number of deaths in the county as of 6 p.m. Monday to 14, according to data published by the Mississippi State Department of Health. MSDH reports 189 confirmed cases in the county, with 65 in long-term care facilities.

Statewide, there have been an additional 818 cases and 48 deaths since Thursday, bringing the total number to 9,908 confirmed cases and 457 deaths. Of those, 1,239 cases confirmed cases have been in long-term care facilities.

Both the percentage of cases and percentage of deaths in long-term care facilities is higher locally than across the state. In Lincoln County, about 34% of cases and 71% of deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities in the county. Statewide, the numbers are about 13% and 46%.

Mississippi does not release the names of long-term care facilities with outbreaks. When asked why in a live address Monday, State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs said that long-term care facilities have always had outbreaks and it has been their policy not to publish the names of facilities for privacy reasons.

“To protect the identities and the privacy of the residents and also to prevent stigmatization of different facilities, it’s always been our stance not to release long-term care stuff,” Dobbs said.

MSDH and healthcare facilities around the state have continued to provide testing for COVID-19, and as of Monday, MSDH reports that 96,426 cases have been administered state-wide. Of those, King’s Daughters Medical Center has sent 1,011 tests, 140 of which have been returned positive.

Those receiving testing through the MSDH must complete pre-screening through a smartphone app or by phone. More information can be found at http://healthyms.com/covid19test. Mississippi also has a COVID-19 hotline available seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. at 877-978-6453.

People who want to receive tests from KDMC are advised to call 601-835-9455 before visiting. The screening site can be found by following the signs on Brookman Drive behind the hospital.