COVID-19 case numbers have begun to rise again as Mississippi enters the fall season.

On Friday, the Mississippi Department of Health released its newest update regarding COVID-19 statistics. There were 722 new cases and 20 new deaths. Those deaths occurred in the following counties: Clarke, Forrest, Harrison, Holmes, Lamar, Lawrence, Madison, Perry, Pike, Simpson, Smith and Walthall.

In Lincoln County, there were 1,090 total cases and 53 total deaths. This is an increase of 17 cases since last reported Tuesday. The total number of deaths for the county has not changed.

The area had 142 LTC outbreaks and 32 LTC deaths, which is the same as last reported Tuesday. An outbreak is when a single confirmed COVID-19 infection is found in an LTC facility resident or more than one infection is found in employees or staff in a 14-day period.

MSDH is recording COVID-19 statistics for public schools across the state. In Lincoln County, there have been nine positive teachers or staff and 14 positive students since the start of school as of Sept. 18. This includes public schools inside and outside city limits.

Hospitalizations are beginning to rise again, with 514 patients in hospitals across the state. Out of that number, 149 are in intensive care and 84 are on ventilators.

Statewide, there were 96,032 total cases and 2,894 total deaths due to the coronavirus. An estimated 85,327 individuals are presumed recovered from the virus.

There have been 812,049 tests conducted, with 719,222 for positive detection of the virus, 38,109 for antibodies and 54,718 for antigens.

Testing is still available at King’s Daughters Medical Center. The COVID screening site is located behind the Emergency Room and will be open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Traffic for this site should enter from Brookman Drive behind the hospital. This screening is for individuals 12 years of age and up. Call 601-835-9455 to make an appointment.