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Tag: covid-19

  • Britain to test mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccines

    Britain to test mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccines

    British scientists are starting a study Thursday to find out if it’s OK to mix and match COVID-19 vaccines.

    The vaccines being rolled out now require two doses, and people are supposed to get two shots of the same kind, weeks apart.

    Guidelines in Britain and the U.S. say the vaccines aren’t interchangeable, but can be mixed if the same kind isn’t available for the second dose or if it’s not known what was given for the first shot.

    Participants in the government-funded study will get one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine followed by a dose from Pfizer, or vice versa.

    “This study will give us greater insight into how we can use vaccines to stay on top of this nasty disease,” said Jonathan Van Tam, the U.K.’s deputy chief medical officer.

    He said that given the challenges of immunizing millions of people amid a global vaccine shortage, there would be advantages to having data that could support more “flexible” immunization campaigns.

    COVID-19 vaccines all train the body to recognize the coronavirus, mostly the spike protein that coats it. The ones from AstraZeneca and Pfizer use different technologies. AstraZeneca’s uses a common cold virus to carry the spike gene into the body. Pfizer’s is made by putting a piece of genetic code called mRNA — the instructions for that spike protein — inside a little ball of fat.

    The British research is scheduled to run 13 months and will also test different intervals between doses, four weeks and 12 weeks apart.

    A study published this week on the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine showed it was about 91% effective in preventing COVID-19. Some immunologists credit the fact that the vaccine uses two slightly different shots, made with similar technology to AstraZeneca’s.

    But the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are “so different that it’s really hard to know if that would work,” said Alexander Edwards, an associate professor in biomedical technology at Britain’s University of Reading.

    Matthew Snape, the new study’s leader at Oxford University, which helped develop the AstraZeneca vaccine, called for British volunteers over age 50 to sign up; scientists are hoping to enroll more than 800 people.

    If the vaccines can be used interchangeably, “this will greatly increase the flexibility of vaccine delivery,” he said in a statement. ”(It) could provide clues as to how to increase the breadth of protection against new virus strains.”

    In recent weeks, Britain, the European Union and numerous other countries have been hit with vaccine supply issues: AstraZeneca said it would dramatically reduce the expected number of doses it could deliver due to manufacturing delays and Pfizer also slowed deliveries while it upgraded its Belgian factory.

  • US shifts to speed vaccinations; won’t hold back second doses

    US shifts to speed vaccinations; won’t hold back second doses

    As of Monday morning, the government had distributed about 25.5 million doses to states, U.S. territories and major cities.

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Barely a month into a mass vaccination campaign to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration unexpectedly shifted gears Tuesday to speed the delivery of shots. A slow start had triggered widespread concern from states and public health officials.

    Now, Health and Human Services Alex Azar has announced two major changes. First, the government will no longer hold back required second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, practically doubling supply. Second, states should immediately start vaccinating other groups lower down the priority scale, including people age 65 and older, and younger people with certain health problems.

    The move better aligns the outgoing administration with the new Biden-Harris team. On Friday, President-elect Joe Biden said he will rapidly release most available vaccine doses to protect more people. He said he supported immediately releasing vaccines that health authorities were holding back out of caution, to guarantee they would be available for people needing their second dose.

    “We had been holding back second doses as a safety stock,” Azar said on ABC. “We now believe that our manufacturing is predictable enough that we can ensure second doses are available for people from ongoing production. So everything is now available to our states and our health care providers.”

    Simultaneously, he gave states the green light to dramatically expand the pool of people eligible to receive vaccines.

    “We are calling on our governors to now vaccinate people aged 65 and over, and under age 65 with a (health condition) because we have got to expand the group,” he said.

    As of Monday morning, the government had distributed about 25.5 million doses to states, U.S. territories and major cities. But only about 9 million people had received their first shot. That means only about 35% of the available vaccines had been administered.

    Initially, the shots were going to health care workers and nursing home residents. Those 75 and older were next in line. But problems arose even in vaccinating that limited pool of people. Some hospital and nursing home workers have been hesitant to get the vaccine. Scheduling issues created delays in getting shots to nursing homes.

    Some states, including Arizona, have or are planning to open up mass vaccination centers, aiming to inoculate thousands of people a day in a single location. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis opened up vaccinations to people 65 and older. In other states, local health authorities have started asking residents 65 an older to register, in anticipation the vaccination campaign would be expanded.

    “We’ve got to get to more channels of administration,” said Azar. “We’ve got to get it to pharmacies, get it to community health centers.

    “We will deploy teams to support states doing mass vaccination efforts if they wish to do so,” he added.

    Although Azar said the shift was a natural evolution of the Trump administration’s efforts, as recently as Friday he had raised questions about whether Biden’s call to accelerate supplies was prudent. The Trump administration, which directed a crash effort to develop and manufacture vaccines, is hoping to avoid a repeat of earlier debacles with coronavirus testing. Dubbed “Operation Warp Speed,” the effort has produced two highly effective vaccines, with more on the way.

    Each state has its own plan for who should be vaccinated, based on recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommendations give first priority to health care workers and nursing home residents.

    But the slow pace of the vaccine rollout has frustrated many Americans at a time when the coronavirus death toll has continued to rise. More than 376,000 people have died, according to the Johns Hopkins database.

    U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said hundreds of thousands of people are getting vaccinated every day across the nation, but the pace of inoculations needs to improve.

    “We’re in a race against this virus and quite frankly, we’re behind,” Adams told “Fox & Friends.” “The good news is that 700,000 people are getting vaccinated every single day. We’re going to hit 1 million people and we need to continue to pick up that pace.”

    In Philadelphia, health department spokesman James Garrow, said the new direction from Washington will take time to figure out before it impacts vaccine distribution in the city. “This is a wholesale change out of the blue after months of planning,” Garrow said.

    Washington, D.C. on Monday opened up vaccines to residents 65 years and older and the system was quickly overwhelmed. People reported problems with the website for registration and hours-long waits to register by phone. A message on the city’s website Tuesday morning read, “All 6,700 of the available vaccination appointments for the week of 1/11/21 were filled.”

    Biden is expected to give a speech Thursday outlining his plan to speed vaccines to more people in the first part of his administration. His transition team has vowed to release as many vaccine doses as possible, rather than continuing the Trump administration policy of holding back millions of doses to ensure there would be enough supply to allow those getting the first shot to get a second one.

    The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires a second shot about three weeks after the first vaccination. Another vaccine, this one produced by Moderna, requires a second shot about four weeks afterward. One-shot vaccines are still undergoing testing.

    ___

    AP writers Candice Choi in New York and Carole Feldman in Washington contributed.

  • COVID vaccines available for Louisiana residents at these Miss-Lou area pharmacies

    COVID vaccines available for Louisiana residents at these Miss-Lou area pharmacies

    Starting the week of January 4, Louisiana will receive the first very limited doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine that will be available at approximately 100 pharmacies across the state.

    These vaccines will be available only for:

    • People 70 years old and above
    • Ambulatory/outpatient care personnel
    • People being treated for end stage renal disease (patients on dialysis)
    • Schools of allied health students/residents/staff
    • Home agency patients and personnel

    In the Miss-Lou area, participating pharmacies include:

    Concordia Parish – Book’s Pharmacy in Vidalia  (318) 414-2616 

    Franklin Parish – K & S Drugs in Winnsboro  (318) 435-7858

    Rapides Parish – Holloway Pharmacy in Pineville  (318) 466-3113

    West Feliciana Parish – St. Francisville Pharmacy  (225) 245-5141

    Click HERE for Vaccine locations in the rest of Louisiana.

    Patients must contact a participating pharmacy and make an appointment at the pharmacy. Patients who arrive without an appointment will not be vaccinated. Vaccinations are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Do not arrive at a location without an appointment.

  • Louisiana congressman Luke Letlow dead from COVID-19

    Louisiana congressman Luke Letlow dead from COVID-19

    BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Luke Letlow, Louisiana’s newest Republican member of the U.S. House, died Tuesday night from complications related to COVID-19 only days before being sworn into office. He was 41 years old.

    Letlow spokesman Andrew Bautsch confirmed the congressman-elect’s death at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport.

    “The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Bautsch said in a statement. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”

    The incoming congressman, elected in a December runoff and set to take office in January, was admitted to a Monroe hospital on Dec. 19 after testing positive for the coronavirus disease. He was later transferred to the Shreveport facility and placed in intensive care.

    Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two children.

    By MELINDA DESLATTE

  • Louisiana lieutenant governor tests positive for COVID-19

    Louisiana lieutenant governor tests positive for COVID-19

    BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said he has COVID-19 and is resting at home with mild symptoms, becoming Louisiana’s fourth statewide elected official to test positive for the coronavirus disease.

    Nungesser, a Republican in his second term as lieutenant governor, confirmed in a Wednesday night Twitter post that he tested positive for COVID-19.

    “Thank you to everyone for your prayers. Today, I tested positive for #COVID but have very mild symptoms. Will be resting up and feeling better soon! As we head into the holidays, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by COVID,” he tweeted.

    Nungesser told The News-Star that he’s “reaching out to everybody I’ve seen in the last few days” to notify them of his infection. He said his mild symptoms include a fever, but no breathing problems.

    The lieutenant governor joins three other Republican statewide elected officials in Louisiana who have previously had COVID-19 and have since recovered: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, Attorney General Jeff Landry and Treasurer John Schroder.

  • Second Trump-Biden debate to be virtual due to Trump’s COVID-19

    Second Trump-Biden debate to be virtual due to Trump’s COVID-19

    The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates debates made the announcement Thursday morning.

     

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will take place virtually amid the fallout from the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19.

    The candidates will “participate from separate remote locations,” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami, the commission said.

    Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and but in a Tuesday tweet said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami, “It will be great!” he tweeted.

    Biden, for his part, said he and Trump “shouldn’t have a debate” as long as the president remains COVID positive.

    Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was “looking forward to being able to debate him” but said “we’re going to have to follow very strict guidelines.”

    Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday, just 48 hours after debating Biden in person for the first time in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart during the debate, Trump’s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail.

    Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday but his doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.

  • Adams County COVID Rate Far Above the National Average

    Adams County COVID Rate Far Above the National Average

    Natchez, Miss. – As we enter the sixth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining vigilant in our daily lives is the major key in keeping ourselves, our families, and our community healthy. Aiming to continue to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease, local county and city officials have extended the mandate to wear a mask or face covering in all public spaces through the end of October.

     

    On Tuesday, the Mississippi State Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers, reporting Adams County had an additional 37 new cases over the past 7 days, bringing our total to 828 compared to the prior week’s 47 new cases. The year-to-date positivity rate for Adams County now sits at 19.8 percent, which is a drop from the estimated August 31 rate of 20.8 percent, yet we are still lingering in the 20-percent range seen throughout August. The CDC recommends the positivity rate should be below 5 percent, and WHO recommends positivity rates below 5 percent for 14 straight days before lessening restrictions.

     

    During Mayor Dan Gibson’s weekly COVID-19 Conference Call, task force officials provided additional updates on where we stand locally. Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez, confirmed 11 people are currently hospitalized with positive COVID-19 test results, with one patient currently on a ventilator. Merit Health Natchez’s hospitalization rate has been consistently at 8-12 positive cases for months. The facility has sufficient supplies and the staff is getting a breather, as there is a likelihood of a spike in positive coronavirus cases expected in late fall. Boyd also noted COVID-19 patients require 3 to 10 times the resources for proper treatment compared to the level of care needed for a regular patient.

     

    The Director of the Adams County Civil Defense and Emergency Operations Center, Brad Bradford, informed that he has diligently worked with every school in the county prior to opening day, to make sure they had a plan for dealing with the students upon arrival and established protocol for when they have a COVID-19 case. The department distributed PPEs to all schools, daycares and nurseries to ensure the safety of area youth. Their goal has been to provide preventative information to everyone to make as much progress as possible, so people do not end up at the hospital for coronavirus-related complications. He advised of the safety procedures in place which includes all students adhering to mask guidelines, washing hands frequently, and refraining from touching their faces.

     

    Additionally, Bradford explained that Adams County’s reported COVID-19 cases currently include cases reported in correctional facilities. He noted a need for state officials to consider a different reporting measure, pointing out that cases in those facilities do not directly affect the general population while the reporting does impact the county as a whole.

     

    As Natchez Adams School District returned to classes today, Tony Fields – Director of Communications for NASD, thanked the city and county for the PPEs provided to the school district. While the majority of students, approximately 2,000 students or 80 percent, opted for virtual learning, McLaurin Elementary School has the highest numbers for in-person learning.

     

    Fields explained that every school has a triage and upon arrival, each student has their temperature checked, they are asked to provide information about their surroundings to determine if they’ve been at risk of exposure to the virus, and lunch will be served “grab and go” style. He confirmed that all students must wear masks and explained the protocol for notification to other students and parents with the new CDC 10-day quarantine guidelines in case of positive test results. NASD must also provide weekly reports of all positive cases to the state.

     

    Dr. Lee England, Internal Medicine physician with emphasis in infectious diseases, believes October could bring another surge in our local area per his observations and available medical information. To give a clearer perspective on numbers, the medical journals and information from his recent studies point to the probability of 300,000 deaths in the United States by the Thanksgiving holiday, increasing to over 400,000 by the end of January 2021; estimating more COVID-19 related deaths than the US suffered in WWII.

    Dr. England concluded that we all have COVID fatigue, and it would be easy for folks to not continue wearing a mask or taking extra precautions. This has been ongoing for six months and it is exhausting, however we may see a large spike later in the fall and winter if we let our guards down.

  • FDA Expands Hand Sanitizer Danger List To More Than 100 Products

    FDA Expands Hand Sanitizer Danger List To More Than 100 Products

    Hand sanitizer products testing positive for methanol

    FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.

    The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations and death.

    Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.

    Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning, young children who accidently ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk.

    FDA reminds consumers to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol (also referred to as ethyl alcohol).

    FDA remains vigilant and will continue to take action when quality issues arise with hand sanitizers. The agency is especially concerned with:

    • The dangers of drinking any hand sanitizer under any conditions. While hand sanitizers with possible methanol contamination are more life-threatening than those that are not contaminated, FDA urges consumers not to drink any of these products.
    • Certain hand sanitizers that may not contain a sufficient amount of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
    • Hand sanitizers that are sold or offered for sale with false and misleading, unproven claims that they can prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19, including claims that they can provide prolonged protection (e.g., for up to 24-hours).
    • Products that are fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved” since there are no hand sanitizers approved by FDA.
    • Products packaged to appear as drinks, candy or liquor bottles, as well as products marketed as drinks or cocktails because their appearance could result in accidental ingestion or encourage ingestion. Children are particularly at risk with these products since ingesting only a small amount of hand sanitizer may be lethal in a young child.
    • Products labeled with harmful or poisonous ingredients, such as methanol.

    FDA is aware of reports of adverse events associated with hand sanitizer products. FDA encourages health care professionals, consumers and patients to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of hand sanitizers to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (please provide the agency with as much information as possible to identify the product):

    • Complete and submit the report online; or
    • Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

    Full list of products as of August 5th, 2020

    The following chart outlines the information on hand sanitizer labels for consumers to use to identify a product that:

    • Has been tested by FDA and found to contain methanol.
    • Is labeled to contain methanol.
    • Has been tested and is found to have microbial contamination.
    • Is being recalled by the manufacturer or distributor.
    • Is subpotent, meaning it has less than the required amount of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or benzalkonium chloride.
    • Is purportedly made at the same facility as products that have been tested by FDA and found to contain methanol.

    FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizers from these companies, or products with these names:

     

    Alcohol Antiseptic 62% Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    Quimica Magna de Mexico SA de CV
    Alcohol Antiseptic 65% Hand Sanitizer; Alcohol Antiseptic 70% Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020 Inflatables LLC
    All-Clean Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020*
    All Clean Natural LTD
    Andy’s 07/08/2020
    Brand Name Distributors
    Andy’s Best 07/08/2020
    Brand Name Distributors
    Assured Aloe 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Assured Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer with Aloe and Moisturizers 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    Assured Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer with Vitamin E and Aloe 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Aloe and Moisturizers) 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Vitamin E and Aloe) 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe and Moisturizers 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Vitamin E and Aloe 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Be Safe Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020
    BeSafe Industries LLC
    Bernal Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020 Inflatables LLC
    Bersih Antiseptic Alcohol 70% Topical Solution hand sanitizer 07/02/2020 Astrum LLC
    Bersih Hand Sanitizer Gel Fragrance Free 07/02/2020
    Private D Capital Group Corp., Human Choice LLC and RediBag USA Astrum LLC
    bio aaa Advance Hand Sanitizer 07/06/2020
    Payless Janitorial Corporation
    BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe, with 70% alcohol 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer Clear 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Lavender, with 70% alcohol 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear Ethyl Alcohol 70% 07/08/2020
    BLUMEN Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Aloe Advanced Hand Sanitizer, with 70 Alcohol 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Aloe Advanced Hand Sanitizer, with 70 Alcohol 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Antibacterial Fresh Citrus Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer with 70% Alcohol 07/08/2020
    BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear LEAR Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Clear LEAR Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Blumen Hand Sanitizer Fresh Citrus 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    BLUMEN Instant Hand Sanitizer Fragrance Free 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Born Basic. Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer 65% Alcohol 07/14/2020
    Scent Theory Products LLC
    Born Basic. Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer 70% alcohol 07/14/2020
    Scent Theory Products LLC
    Britz Hand Sanitizer Ethyl Alcohol 70% 07/02/2020
    Soflo Urban Team LLC
    Cavalry 07/14/2020
    Cavalry Sanitizers LLC
    Clean Humans Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol 07/02/2020* ESPMEX LLC
    CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol 07/02/2020* ESPMEX LLC
    CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol 07/02/2020* ESPMEX LLC
    Cleaner Hand Sanitizer Rinse Free 70% 07/02/2020
    Liberty International Distributors
    Command Gel AntiBac Instant hand sanitizer 08/03/2020
    Roque Plast SA de CV
    DAESI Hand Sanitizer 07/10/2020
    Yara Elena De La Garza Perez Nieto
    Datsen Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    dgreen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Gel 08/03/2020 Biokaab Inc.
    dgreen Advanced Sanitizer Alcohol Free 08/03/2020 Biokaab Inc.
    Earths Amenities Instant Unscented Hand Sanitizer with Aloe Vera Advanced 07/08/2020 Earths Amenities
    ENLIVEN Hand Sanitizing Gel 07/14/2020
    Procurement Services LLC
    Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020* EskBiochem
    foamyiQ Lemon Blossom Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    GelBact Hand Sanitizer 07/30/2020
    Pacific Coast Global Inc. and Tritanium Labs LLC
    Greenfrog Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    Notarika SA de CV
    Greenfrog Hand Sanitizing wipes 08/03/2020
    Notarika SA de CV
    Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020 Biokaab Inc.
    Hand Sanitizer 07/30/2020
    Pacific Coast Global Inc. and Tritanium Labs LLC
    Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare 07/08/2020
    Vidanos Easy Cleaning Rentals
    Hand Sanitizer Disinfectant Gel 70% Ethyl Alcohol 07/15/2020
    Resource Recovery and Trading LLC
    Hand Sanitizer Disinfectant Gel 70% Ethyl Alcohol Rinse Free Hand Rub 07/15/2020
    Resource Recovery and Trading LLC
    Hand Sanitizer Gel 08/03/2020 Biokaab Inc.
    Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 70% 07/10/2020
    Wet Look Janitorial and Gardening Corp.
    Hand sanitizer Gel Unscented 70% Alcohol 07/02/2020
    Grupo Insoma, S.A.P.I de CV
    Handzer Hand Sanitizer Rinse Free 07/02/2020
    Liberty International Distributors
    Hello Kitty Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    Herbacil Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol 07/24/2020 INBC Trading LLC
    Herbacil Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol 07/24/2020 INBC Trading LLC
    Herbacil Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol 07/24/2020 INBC Trading LLC
    Jaloma Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer Ethyl Alcohol 62% with Vitamin E 7/24/2020
    Laboratorios Jaloma SA de CV
    KLAR AND DANVER Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    KLAR and DANVER Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    Greenbrier International Inc.
    Kleanz Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Advanced 07/02/2020 Up in the Lab
    Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020*
    Blue Ridge Southern Supply LLC
    Leiper’s Fork Distillery Bulk Disinfectant per 5 gallon and Leiper’s Fork Distillery 16 oz bottle 7/24/2020
    Lite ’n Foamy Lemon Blossom Hand Sanitizer 08/03/2020
    LumiSkin Advance Hand Sanitizer 16 oz 07/06/2020
    Soflo Urban Team LLC
    LumiSkin Advance Hand Sanitizer 4 oz 07/06/2020
    Soflo Urban Team LLC
    Lux Eoi Hand Sanitizing Gel 07/14/2020
    Procurement Services LLC
    Medicare Alcohol Antiseptic Topical Solution 07/30/2020
    Healthy Food and Nutrition Lab
    Modesa Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers and Aloe Vera 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    Modesa Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers and Vitamin E 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    MODESA Instant Hand Sanitizer Moisturizers and Vitamin E 07/08/2020
    Midwood Brands LLC
    Mystic Shield Protection hand sanitizer 07/02/2020
    Transliquid Technologies LLC
    NeoNatural 07/08/2020
    Brand Name Distributors
    NEXT Hand Sanitizer 07/28/2020
    Genomma Lab USA
    NuuxSan Instant Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    NuuxSan Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/28/2020
    Albek de Mexico SA de CV
    Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/21/2020 Liq-E S.A. de CV
    Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 7/21/2020 Liq-E S.A. de CV
    Optimus Lubricants Instant Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020 Liq-E S.A. de CV
    Parabola Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020
    Soflo Urban Team LLC
    Plus Advanced 07/08/2020
    Brand Name Distributors
    Purity Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020
    Human Choice LLC
    QualitaMed Hand Sanitizer 07/06/2020
    QualitaMed Corp.
    Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020* Polarized LLC
    Sayab Antisepctic Hand Sanitizer 100 07/30/2020
    Scent Theory – Keep It Clean – Pure Clean Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer 07/14/2020
    Scent Theory Products LLC
    Scent Theory – Keep It Clean – Pure Clean Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer 07/14/2020
    Scent Theory Products Inc.
    Selecto Hand Sanitizer 07/10/2020
    Bodega Latina Corp.
    Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer 07/10/2020
    Maquiladora Miniara, SA de CV
    The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020*
    EskBiochem SA de CV
    The Honeykeeper Hand Sanitizer 07/08/2020
    4E Brands North America LLC
    TriCleanz 07/30/2020
    Tritanium Labs LLC
    TriCleanz Tritanium Labs Hand Sanitizer 07/30/2020
    Tritanium Labs LLC
    Urbane Bath and Body Hand Sanitizer 07/02/2020
    Liberty International Distributors
    Vidanos Easy Cleaning Rentals Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare 07/08/2020
    Vidanos Easy Cleaning Rentals
    Wave Hand Sanitizer Gel 07/02/2020
    C&A Marketing Inc.
  • MS Governor Reeves Issues Statewide Mask Mandate, Delays School Reopenings to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

    MS Governor Reeves Issues Statewide Mask Mandate, Delays School Reopenings to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

    JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced two new executive orders to delay public school reopenings in target counties and establish a statewide mask mandate in the ongoing fight against this unprecedented pandemic.

    “Here’s the bottom line: we have to balance the very real risk of the virus and the lifelong damage of school closures. To do that, we have to safely provide education for the greatest possible number of children,” said Governor Tate Reeves at today’s press briefing. “The best way to accomplish that is to provide guidelines, allow local school leaders to tailor them, and step in with the authority of state government where it is absolutely necessary. That is what we’re doing today. This is the beginning of that effort, not the end.”

    Working closely with officials in the Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi State Department of Health, Governor Reeves is directing school districts in counties with higher risk of community transmission and recent spikes in new cases to delay the start of the 2020-2021 academic year. Under Executive Order No. 1517, school districts in the following counties must delay their reopening for grades 7-12 until Monday, August 17: Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Hinds, Panola, Sunflower, and Washington Counties. The new executive order includes a statewide mask mandate for schools, instructing all Mississippians to wear a mask when inside a school building or classroom, or outside on a school campus when social distancing is not possible.

    To combat rising cases and ramp up response efforts across the state, Governor Reeves also issued a statewide mask mandate for all Mississippians to wear a mask when in public, with exceptions including for children under 6 years old, those who cannot cover their face for medical or behavioral conditions, and those at religious worship. Going into effect Wednesday morning, Mississippians must wear a mask when they’re inside a business, school, or any place open to the public, or when at an outdoor public space where social distancing is not possible.

    The Governor made the announcements at today’s press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here.

    You can view the signed versions of the new executive orders here: Executive Order No. 1516, Executive Order No. 1517. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on our website at governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

  • Adams County Mask Mandate Extended as Virus Continues to Rage

    Adams County Mask Mandate Extended as Virus Continues to Rage

    NATCHEZ, Miss. – Adams County’s mask-wearing mandate has been extended for another month as the community’s coronavirus cases continue to rise at what the county emergency management director said is an “alarming” rate.

     

    The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted to stretch the public face-covering requirement to Sept. 8.  The Natchez Board of Aldermen last week also extended its own month-old order for the city until August 11, but that will likely be continued when the aldermen meet again.

     

    While urging people Monday to independently take precautions to help quell the virus’ spread, Adams County board President Ricky Gray said supervisors “are going to do everything in our power to keep you safe.”

     

    The Natchez-Adams County mandate requires people to wear some type of covering over their mouth and nose inside and outside of public places where people mingle, such as stores and tourist attractions. There are exceptions to the mandate, such as for patrons eating and drinking in restaurants and bars.

     

    Adams County Emergency Management Director Brad Bradford said Monday there were134 “active” cases of COVID-19 in Natchez-Adams County, where 25 people have died from the respiratory disease since March. The total number of cases in just the past four weeks has increased by more than 100 percent: 280 at the first of July to 584 at the start of August, according to the Mississippi Department of Health’s daily report Monday.

     

    “If the numbers continue to go up, we’re going to have to shut everything down,” said Gray, evoking memories of the city and county boards’ curfews and stay-at-home orders imposed when COVID first flared up this past spring.

     

    In response to how serious the virus plague is, the Natchez-Adams School District board has voted to delay the public schools’ opening another month to Sept. 9, said NASD spokesman Tony Fields. They had been set to begin classes next Monday for the new school year.

     

    “The date change will also allow the district time to reconstruct class rosters and allocate teachers in response to the new virtual learning option that we are providing for students,” Fields said.

     

    It was uncertain Monday if Natchez’ two private schools – Cathedral and Adams County Christian – are also delaying their reopening previously planned for next Monday. Bradford has recommended they not bring students back to classrooms until after Labor Day.

     

    People in Adams County caught by police not wearing face masks in public places as required can be ticketed and fined $50. Businesses allowing customers in without face coverings could be fined $100 and also lose their city business licenses for repeat violations.

     

    Bradford said another distribution of free face masks for the public will be Saturday at the Adams County Safe Room parking lot on Liberty Road near Natchez High School. The drive-through handouts will be 8 a.m. till noon.

     

    At Monday’s meeting of the Adams County Board of Supervisors, Bradford also raised concerns about local business operators allegedly “threatening” to fire employees exposed to the coronavirus and forcing them to work in unsafe conditions. This is in violation of federal labor laws. Bradford said some employees are “scared for their lives,” He suggested county officials stress to businesses what the federal fair-labor laws require in protecting employees.