The number of coronavirus cases in Mississippi has surpassed the 23,000 mark and is almost halfway to 24,000, following another near-record number new infections being reported.
As of 6 p.m. June 23, 23,424 cases of COVID-19 cases have been confirmed across the state, including 1,011 deaths.
Another 2,437 cases have been reported in long-term health care facilities, such as nursing homes, according to state figures.
In all, 526 additional cases were reported as of June 23, with 22 new deaths. The new infections represent the second-highest one-day total in the state since the outbreak began.
The record number, 611 new cases, was confirmed Tuesday; 1,600 cases were reported for the five-day period prior to that.
Hinds County continues to lead the state in total number of infections, with 1,646 and 34 deaths. Madison County follows close behind, with 1034 cases and 31 deaths, state health figures show.
At a news conference Tuesday, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba urged residents to continue to wear face coverings and practice other federal, state and local guidelines to stay safe.
He also said he would be willing to put restrictions back in place to slow the spread of the virus.
