Dobbs stated that anyone can test, provided it is appropriate, in both hospitals and clinics. “If you are sick or worried, please call your provider and your doctor. They will take care of it.” Doctors don’t need to have Mississippi State Department of Health approval in order to test patients. This is a significant departure from the previous guidelines. These new guidelines were made public Wednesday afternoon before the state received its first confirmed case Wednesday night. They were clarified Thursday morning at a news conference. Physicians have the freedom and authority to test any patient they suspect may be carrying coronavirus. This is despite the fact that COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Any clinic can use its own equipment, follow the guidelines of the health department to collect samples from patients – a nose and throat sample – and submit it for MSDH testing. Dobbs stated that the new protocol changes were made to lower barriers to testing. He said, “It’s absolutely possible through (MSDH), and private labs… If a clinic wishes to send a specimen, they are perfectly capable of getting it from us or private laboratories.” He also noted that tests are usually returned within 36 to 48 hour. “We don’t see any bottleneck at the lab running tests at the moment,” Dobbs said. Currently, 42 people have been tested by the state with only one positive. He said that the lab can process 200 samples per day and has enough capacity to treat 1,000 patients. The new guidelines are not about the availability of lab tests but access, in the midst national testing shortages. The clinics do not require a special kit for patients to submit samples. Patients used to have to follow stricter guidelines in order to be eligible for lab tests. The number of tests that can be run will depend on the availability of lab testing kits. These kits are used to stabilize samples using chemical mixtures called reagents. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially provided flawed “test kits”, officials later stated that they have been improved. MSDH didn’t clarify the 1,000-patient limit, but it appears to refer to the number of lab test kits that are available. This is up from the 225 reported earlier in this month. In an email, Liz Sharlot, MSDH spokesperson, stated that they have ample testing capacity. She did not give the number of available tests. “We are in good shape,” she said. Dobbs stated that the new guidelines were created in response to the first confirmed case, a Forrest County male under 65 who traveled to Florida. Doctors had to get prior approval before sending test swabs. These were only available to patients with symptoms who meet criteria such as recent travel to affected areas or close contact with a confirmed case within 14 days. Physicians can now determine who needs to be tested, although it is usually considered that those with flu-like symptoms are eligible for testing if other conditions have been ruled out. The Forrest County case is still under investigation. Other than the fact that the man is now voluntarily avoiding public places, and those with whom he has had close contact, so they can be closely monitored for signs, there are no further details. Dobbs stated that the man reached out to his provider and sent in a test. Dobbs answered queries about panic and misinformation and explained how the virus spreads. While the number of cases will increase, most people who are infected will be able to recover fully, Dobbs stressed that prevention is the best form of protection. Dobbs stated that only a very small percentage of cases – less than 1% – will result in death or severe consequences. “We (the public) are at the level of concern that we should be (on average). He said that some people are too worried, while others aren’t as concerned. “Most people won’t get COVID-19.” “But more people will get sick.” According to the CDC, 36 people died in the U.S. as of Thursday night. This is 3% of the total cases. However, this number reflects a stricter testing protocol that we have seen now. Previously, sick people were only tested. Since last week, the state health department is able to test in-house using pre-prepared CDC tests kits. Private commercial labs like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp have also been able to offer online testing. To keep up with the new testing capabilities, the state health department has added COVID-19 to its list of reportable illnesses. This means that both clinics and laboratories must report any positive results to the state department. On Thursday, 42 people had been tested. However, it is not clear if the state will continue to offer that transparency as private lab testing increases. Some states are reporting only positive results and not reporting the total number of tests, as other states have done. This is according to The Atlantic’s national tracker. Many doctors across the country and in every state expressed confusion about testing protocol, stating that test kits were not readily available or that they weren’t sure how to get them. According to the new guidelines by the health department, limited tests or not knowing where to obtain a test should be less of an obstacle as clinics can send samples at any time. Dobbs stated that doctors can order lab tests via the health department in the same way as any routine swab or blood testing. Clinics will be able to use their own laboratory materials and swab patients’ throats and noses, label the sample according to MSDH guidelines and then send it to the state lab. Col. Gregory Michel is the director of Mississippi’s emergency management. He said that the state has reached its highest level in emergency preparedness. This is the first Level 1 status since Hurricane Katrina 15-years ago. He said that the status is mainly one of preparation, and not necessarily alarming. “It is important to remember that the purpose (for Level 1) was to properly focus on and position all of our support to respond as required.” The state also announced continuing measures to limit further exposure. Visitors to state prisons will temporarily be suspended. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the agency will establish sanitation and prevention protocols in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. As protocols are developed, additional parameters will be established. House Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) said that the Capitol would not be closed due to the coronavirus but that people would be discouraged from visiting the Capitol. The May legislative session is set to conclude in May. However, the session will go on. After meeting with the state’s health officer, he said that those who have business at Capitol are welcome to attend. “But it is advised that you avoid large gatherings if you do not have business.” He described the Capitol during legislative sessions as a mass gathering. He advised school groups and other visitors to the Capitol to stay away. He also announced that the page program would be ending. Many groups may be coming to the same conclusion that they should avoid the Capitol. The Capitol’s halls were almost empty on Thursday, as opposed to previous days when the Senate and House met in their respective chambers. Dobbs reminded those with flu-like symptoms to contact their doctor, not a hospital emergency department. He also reiterated that people should consult their physician if they have any questions.