Coronavirus cases increase in states across South

Published 10:18 am Saturday, March 21, 2020

Although Alabama’s Public Health department hasn’t updated its numbers early Saturday morning, as other states across the South report, the number of coronavirus cases is steadily increasing.

Health experts say this is expected as the availability of tests increases. Mississippi’s results nearly doubled since Friday’s last update.

Here’s a breakdown, by state, from Saturday morning:

Alabama: 106 positive cases, 0 deaths. (Late Friday’s numbers)
Arkansas: 100 positive cases.
Florida: 603 positive cases, 12 deaths.
Georgia: 485 positive cases, 14 deaths.
Louisiana: 585 positive cases, 16 deaths.
Mississippi: 140 positive cases, 1 death.
Tennessee: 228 positives cases.
Texas: 194 positive cases, 5 deaths.

Total cases across the South: 2,441
 

The number of people infected worldwide surpassed the 286,000 mark. Deaths topped 11,900, but the number of people considered recovered reached over 89,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The University’s tracking shows approximately 19,600 cases in the U.S.

Everyone is warned to take the necessary precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy.

These precautions include:

  • Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
  • Avoiding touching your face
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Avoiding close contact with others
  • And staying home if you are sick