With local schools and some businesses closed, and numerous curfews in effect due to the coronavirus, there has been a noticeable decline in automobile and pedestrian traffic in municipalities and communities throughout Tallahatchie County.
We assume many people are trying to follow the advice of government and health care officials to stay home. “Shelter in place,” they call it.
It is no fun for anyone, but the only way to slow the spread of this COVID-19 monster is to put more distance between potential victims.
Disease experts say we are likely still in the early stages of the outbreak, which as of 10:11 a.m. Tuesday had infected 809,608 people in 179 countries and regions worldwide, including 165,874 in the United States, according to a Johns Hopkins University database.
At that moment in time, officials had confirmed 39,545 deaths worldwide related to COVID-19. On the bright side, 172,869 people who once had the virus were identified as having recovered.
On Tuesday morning, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported a total of 937 confirmed cases, with 20 deaths, in the Magnolia State. MSDH updates its count each morning with test results from the previous day.
It is sad to watch the numbers steadily rise.
Tallahatchie County, as of Tuesday, had two confirmed cases of the virus. Surrounding counties had higher numbers. We don’t know whether our lower count is due to a lesser incidence or simply less testing. The grim forecast is that we may be a month or more away from peaking, after which the rate of infection is expected to decline.
That is why protective measures are so vital.
» Stay home and away from other people if at all possible, particularly if you are an older person.
MSDH said most state coronavirus deaths have been in people over 60 years of age. Also at greater risk is anyone of any age who has long-term health problems, like diabetes or heart disease.
» Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet between you and others, especially when out in public or at events.
» Avoid groups of more than 10 people.
» Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under the fingernails.
» Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
» Stay home when you are sick.
» Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
By being safe, you’re helping others, too.
