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NATCHEZ — Adams County has 57 reported cases of COVID-19, according to Mississippi State Department of Health numbers released Monday.

Merit Health Natchez as of Monday was caring for 10 COVID-19 patients, hospital officials said.

“These patients are being cared for in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment for the small number of staff providing medical care and placement of the patients in appropriate infection isolation rooms that are separate from other patients,” said Kay Ketchings, director of marketing for Merit Health Natchez. “We also remain in close contact with the Mississippi Department of Health.”

Ketchings said Merit Health Natchez has 15 ventilators and eight anesthesia machines with conversion ability.

“Our inventory of ventilators is sufficient for the patients in our care at this time,” Ketchings said.

“Our hospital is focused on caring for patients and preparations for a potential surge in the number of patients needing care,” Ketchings said.