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NATCHEZ — A 61-year old Adams County man died Monday afternoon of COVID-19, the Adams County coroner said.

The victim is a black male from Adams County said James Lee, Adams County coroner, who pronounced the victim dead of respiratory failure at 2:42 p.m. at Merit Health Natchez.

“I’m sorry we are faced with this pandemic, but let me say this, the coronavirus is no joke!” Lee said. “This virus is still alive and we should take every precaution to protect our families and loved ones.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reports COVID-19 deaths as they are confirmed from the county of the record of residence of the victims.

Monday’s death is the fourth COVID-19 Lee has investigated at Merit Health Natchez.

As of Monday, the MSDH had recorded only one COVID-19 death of an Adams County resident.