As coronavirus hospitalizations and LTC outbreaks grow, so does the demand for front-line workers. We examine how new medical professionals are preparing for work during a pandemic.

Then, the coronavirus incubation period can last up to two weeks. But, as we learn from a COVID-19 survivor, the effects of infectionc an last months.

Plus, the Public Service Commission is expanding broadband access with help from the FCC.

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Mississippi is facing a surge in coronavirus cases and health officials say intensive care units are stressed more than ever. In statement via Twitter yesterday, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says pressure on ICU's are worse than the summer surge, and 26 hospitals are on diversion for critically ill patients. The strain is creating fatigue in front-line workers, and there is a nation-wide shortage of nurses. This is opening doors for recent nursing school graduates. Our Kobee Vance speaks with new nurses Jamie Ramsey and Candice Ball.

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The incubation period for the coronavirus is anywhere between two to fourteen days. Some mild cases may exhibit symptoms for a few days, then pass. But severe cases can mean weeks in the hospital followed by months of therapy and recovery. That was the case for COVID-19 survivor Terry Doremus of Brookhaven. In part two of our conversation, she details her months-long recovery after leaving the intensive care unit.

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Mississippi's Public Service Commission is receiving money from the federal government to bolster its broadband expansion efforts. The Federal Communications Commission announced earlier this week that Mississippi is receiving $495 million as part of Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. These funds are in addition to the $75 million allocated by the Mississippi Legislature. Chairman Dane Maxwell tells our Michael Guidry the project will show the nation how the Magnolia State is a leader in broadband expansion.

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As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Governor introduces new restrictions on social gatherings.

Then, with coronavirus hospitalizations reaching an all time high, we hear from a pandemic survivor whose recovery requires weeks in a hospital bed.

Plus, in our Book Club.... Gift giving recommendations from a Mississippi independent book seller for everyone on your list who loves to read.

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Coronavirus transmission in Mississippi continues escalate, with the state reaching a new daily high in reported COVID-19 cases three times in the last seven days. Yesterday, the department of health reported 2,746 cases - a new record high. With transmission at a rate more intense than the summer spike, Governor Tate Reeves says additional action and more buy in are necessary until vaccines arrive.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says this wave of transmission is being catalyzed by social events and gatherings. He continues to emphasize the importance of individual mitigation efforts until vaccines are readily available.

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During the last week of July, Brookhaven resident Terry Doremus was in an airport on her way to see her daughter in San Antonio when she noticed a seemingly mild headache. She always wore a mask and did the little things - like wash her hands - so she didn't think much of it. On the night before she was supposed to return to Mississippi, more severe symptoms surfaced - 103 degree fever, a burning in her throat, body aches. Instead of getting on a flight home with her ten-year-old grandchild, Terry was riding home in the back seat of her husbands car. In part one of our conversation, shares how her COVID-19 infection led to weeks in a hospital bed.

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If you have one of those people on your gift list impossible to shop for you might want to consider a book. Mississippi is rich with talented and notable, best-selling authors. Shelby Gorman with Turnrow Books in Greenwood has some recommendations. But first, she tells us that when she became the manager of the book store earlier this year the timing couldn’t have been worse.

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As daily cases of COVID-19 reach a new peak, health officials anticipate a wave of new deaths.

Then, effects of the pandemic on revenues could led to budget cuts for many state agencies.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we derail some safety tips for holiday decorating.

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The coronavirus pandemic continues to reach new heights in Mississippi. With 56 new related deaths reported by the department of health yesterday, the COVID-19 death toll has surpassed the 4,000 mark. Hospitalizations of confirmed patients are also at a new high of 1,125. Health officials say the Thanksgiving surge in virus cases is just starting surface. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says they fear more deaths are on the horizon.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs worries there is fatigue regarding mitigation strategies and is concerned about Mississippians gathering in mass for the holidays. He says the only way to slow the trend of rising cases and deaths is to "turn off the spigot".

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Many Mississippi agencies - including universities, prisons and child protection services - may see budget cuts for fiscal year 2022. Those cuts are anticipated as the Legislative Budget Committee is trying to navigate the effects of the coronavirus on state revenues. Federal monies have provided some economic relief, especially in regards to unemployment benefits. And State Economist Corey Miller says sales tax is 9 percent above estimates. Still, he tells our Desare Frazier, revenues are below pre-pandemic levels. 

Mississippi's lawmakers are responsible for appropriating the $6.1 billion budget. Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall is on the Legislative Budget Committee. He says legislators must be conservative when assessing the budgetary needs of Mississippi's many agencies. He explains the process begins with identifying vacated "pins" or positions within an agency. 

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Southern remedy Health Minute

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It's the time of year when many homes are furnished with festive displays and trees are fully adorned with dazzling lights. With so many lights and plugs required, there are safety measures residents should consider as they decorate for the holidays. Mara Hartmann is with Entergy Mississippi. The first tip she shares: invest in LED lights.

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As the pandemic stresses Mississippi’s health care system, the state medical association explains how residents can reduce the toll on hospital staff.

Then, the state’s largest Historically Black University uses a CDC grant to help raise public awareness of the coronavirus.

Plus, enrollment in public schools is down this year - especially among kindergartners. We examine some of the factors contributing to the reduction.

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Coronavirus hospitalizations in Mississippi are at an all time high - now topping 1100 confirmed COVID patients. Health officials say the Thanksgiving surge in virus cases are just starting to be reported, and with hospitalizations a lagging indicator, more strain could be coming on the state's hospital system. Dr. Mark Horne, President of the Mississippi State Medical Association says at this rate, there are not enough trained staff to hire in the state. He tells our Kobee Vance while transmission of the virus is localized, the affect of the surge on Mississippi's hospitals is uniform.

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Mississippi's largest historically black university is launching a new campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of the coronavirus and effective mitigation strategies to stop it. Jackson State University received a grant of over $400,000 from the Centers for Disease Control to implement the program. Joyce Buckner-Brown with JSU's College of Public Health says their marketing strategy initially focused on reaching black young adults 18 to 29 years old, but they're expanding it in 2021. She tells our Desare Frazier messaging from the university has gone a long way with Mississippi's black communities.

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A new report from the Mississippi Department of Education shows a continuing decline in public school enrollment in the state - with kindergarten enrollment seeing the largest drop. More than 4,000 fewer kindergartens enrolled during 2020 academic year, compared to the same time last year. Over the previous three years, kindergarten enrollment dropped by a cumulative total of 1,015 students. Meanwhile, homeschool enrollment increased, removing an additional 6,731 students from public-school attendance rolls. Nancy Loome is Executive Director of the Parents Campaign. She examines the factors of declining enrollment with our Michael Guidry.

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As the COVID-19 death toll nears 4,000, Mississippi’s health leaders ask residents what they would do to save 1,000 lives.

Then, newly graduated nursing students are entering the workforce during an unprecedented moment. We see how one recent grad is handling a the start of a career during a global pandemic.

Plus, a recent study shows only once Mississippi city scores above the national average when it comes to equal rights protections for the LGBTQ community, while others lag far behind.

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Mississippi is experiencing record levels of COVID-19 transmission, and the state is on the cusp of surpassing 4,000 related deaths. Daily coronavirus reports are overwhelming Mississippi’s data reporting system, hospitals across the state are full, and experts say the holidays could make things worse. With coronavirus transmission sweeping across Mississippi, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs is asking residents what they would do to save one thousand lives.

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The coronavirus pandemic is placing unprecedented strain on Mississippi's hospital system as the state faces rising rates in cases, hospitalizations, and critical care patients. For those entering the health care profession in 2020, introduction to new careers have been akin to trial by fire. Dalton Sumrall recently graduated Jones Community College with an Associate's Degree in Nursing. Now he's taking part-time shifts at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, where he encounters the realities of the pandemic daily.

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Mississippi's capital city is receiving high marks in an equal rights report, but many of the state's other larger municipalities are lagging behind. Jackson ranks above the national average in a report released by the Human Rights Campaign for cities with policies that include LGBTQ protections. The organization reviewed nine Mississippi cities with the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer populations on laws that prevent discrimination. Rob Hill is with the Mississippi chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. He explains the report and what it reveals with our Desare Frazier. 

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Pediatricians say the state is seeing rising cases of COVID-19 in children and adolescents. We hear from the president-elect of the Mississippi Chapter of the Academy of Pediatricians.

Then, high school fall sports culminate this weekend with the state football championships. We reflect on an unusual season filled with challenges.

Plus, what economic impact a new Amazon fulfillment center in Madison County can bring to Mississippi.

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As transmission of the coronavirus continues to intensify, cases of COVID-19 among children and teens in Mississippi are also on the rise. Pediatricians statewide are urging parents to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of the virus ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Dr. Anita Henderson is with the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She shares more with our Kobee Vance.

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Inter-scholastic sports are facing unprecedented challenges this year. The coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of many spring sports at the high school and college levels, and participation in fall sports have been a mixed bag. After postponing the beginning of the fall seasons for a couple of weeks, high schools are wrapping up the fall calendar this weekend with the Mississippi High School Athletic Association's football championships. Don Hinton is the Executive Director of the MHSAA. He shares more about a very unusual season.

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A new Amazon facility in Madison County is helping the state surpass last year's new economic investments despite the coronavirus pandemic. Work is underway on a new Amazon Fulfillment Center in Canton - the third facility the corporate giant has brought to the state. MPB's Desare Frazier speaks with Joey Deason of the Madison County Economic Development Authority and John Rousaville of the Mississippi Development Authority

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The State Health Officer issues new guidance as COVID-19 cases and hospitalization reach new heights.

Then, leaders at UMMC express concern over the recent surge and the strain its putting on hospital resources.

Plus, in our Book Club, Larry Wells on his book, "In Faulkner's Shadow: A Memoir."

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The coronavirus pandemic is reaching new heights of severity as widespread transmission continues in the state. Yesterday, the department of health reported a record high 2,457 new cases of COVID-19 in its daily report. The seven-day rolling average is also on the rise, reaching 1,605 cases per day - up from the previous record of 1,409 earlier this week.

The steep rise is causing State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs to issue additional public health guidance. Dobbs recommends all residents avoid social activities that could contribute to transmission of the coronavirus - specifically noting parties, weddings, funerals, family gatherings, in-person church services, and sporting events. He says these types of events have a chain effect that lead to wider transmission.

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Mississippi hospitals are operating at capacity as coronavirus patients add strain to the healthcare system. Yesterday morning, the state’s largest hospital had dozens of patients waiting to be admitted to the intensive care unit. There are 700 hospital beds at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, but there are more than 760 patients being treated currently according to hospital leadership. Vice-Chancellor Dr. LouAnn Woodward says coronavirus patients adding an unusual level burden on the hospital's resources. 

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There is much we know about Oxford’s most legendary writer, William Faulkner. But in his new book, “In Faulkner’s Shadow: A memoir,” Larry Wells delves into the author’s influence on family and community. Brown’s wife, Faulkner’s niece, could provide details and perspective on life at home with the Nobel Prize laureate. 

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As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations reach new heights, the Governor places restrictions on 13 more counties.

Then, health leaders detail what Mississippian can expect from soon to be available vaccines.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the Secretary of State’s office releases its annual charitable giving report.

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Thirteen more Mississippi counties will be under tighter restrictions as the state continues to fight widespread transmission of the coronavirus. Governor Tate Reeves announced the additions yesterday during a press conference with reporters. Reeves says further measures are needed because the virus is "extremely present."

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs is worried there is not enough buy-in from community members and leaders regarding the mitigation efforts. He says the measures are supported by science.

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As community spread of the coronavirus increases in Mississippi, the health department is working to encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the department of health is being flooded with calls about the soon-to-be available vaccines, and his office is working to educate the public as more information about the vaccine becomes available. Dobbs acknowledges there is some skepticism about the vaccine’s safety, especially in communities of color. But, he believes there’s more demand for a vaccine than most people realize. 

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

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Yesterday was Giving Tuesday and many Mississippi residents either donated or considered contributions to one of the thousands of charitable organizations throughout the state and nationwide. But Secretary of State Michael Watson wants to make sure Mississippians feel confident in their charitable giving. He tells our Michael Guidry his office has resources available to ensure those donations are going to reputable organizations.

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A Mississippi medical leader responds to the surge as coronavirus transmission in the state continues to worsen.

Then, with many students learning virtually this year, the Department of Education is working to shrink the digital divide.

Plus, the Mississippi lottery celebrates its first year.

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The coronavirus surge is continuing to worsen in Mississippi as the state has experienced new cases of COVID-19 in excess of 1,000 for the sixth consecutive day. And for the first time during the pandemic, Mississippi hospitals have surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 admissions. It's a metric State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs calls "truly serious".  Dr. Jennifer Bryan of the Mississippi Medical Association tells our Desare Frazier she's concerned the holidays will contribute more to the current wave of cases and hospitalizations. 

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Mississippi school districts are working to shrink the digital divide that has grown more apparent during the coronavirus pandemic. The Mississippi Department of Education used CARES Act funds to purchase devices and equip districts with the resources necessary for virtual learning. State Superintendent Carey Wright says the money allocated by the legislature has gone a long way.

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The new Mississippi lottery began a year ago with excitement and enthusiasm. But less than six months into its inaugural campaign, the pandemic came and sales suffered. Now, the lottery is entering it's second year with a head full of steam and new games on the horizon Tom Shaheen, President of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation tells our Michael Guidry how the lottery rebounded and what players can look forward to in year two.

**This episode was produced during Giving Tuesday and was abbreviated to accommodate MPB's Giving Tuesday Drive**

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Professional health associations work to narrow a divide in healthcare equity they say is a result of structural racism.

Then, the Army Corps of Engineers seek support for a proposed flood control project in the south Delta.

Plus, a Mississippi native and marijuana cultivator applauds the state's decision to approve medical marijuana.

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Public health officials in Mississippi are working to raise awareness about negative effects of racism on care and premature deaths. Following a wave of social activism regarding systemic racism in policing and criminal justice, professional medical associations are hoping to shine a light on how structural racism affects health equity. Dr. Claude Brunson is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Medical Association. He tells our Desare Frazier health professionals have recognized this truth for a while now

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Leaders at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are asking Mississippians to support a proposed flood control project that would pump water from parts of the south Delta. Today is the final day of the federally mandated public comment period for the project that would ease flooding caused by the Yazoo backwater. Col. Rob Hilliard of the USACE tells our Ashley Norwood the science indicates the status quo is not longer viable.

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Felix Murray is a cultivator. A native of Rolling Fork, the Alcorn State graduate left Mississippi for Atlanta - building a career in the entertainment industry before making his way to the west coast. There he saw the "Green Rush" coming, and invested in medical marijuana cultivation in Oregon. Now, after the approval of medical marijuana in his home state, the CEO of Gashouse Cannabis says he sees an opportunity to bring his business home. He shares more of his story with our Michael Guidry.  

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