The distsuring state of Mississippi: Setting new COVID records 17 months into the pandemic

 

New York Times (red box added above)

Prior to this summer, Mississippi recorded its highest 7-day average of new Covid cases on January 10, 2021.

The state smashed that record with 2,640 on August 10, 2021, and cpntineus to push it upward.

New Orlean Times Picayune, 8/19/2021

On maps that show coronavirus “hot spots” in red, this part of the U.S. coast is glowing like a bad sunburn. And a summer of booming tourism that followed the lockdowns and travel restrictions of 2020 is making the turn toward fall with only a few signs of slowing down. 

Health officials believe the spike is due to a combination of some of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates, unabated tourism, a disregard for basic health precautions and the region’s carefree lifestyle, all combining at a time when the mutated virus is more contagious than ever and conservative states are balking at new health restrictions.

Vaccination rates  (all residents) for Mississippi's Gulf Coast counties (west to east)

• Hancock (29%)
• Harrison (38%)
• Jackson (31%)

44% of Mississippi residents are fully vaccinated compared to 51% for the U.S.

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The disturbing state of Louisiana.  (8/17/20)