More people seeking COVID-19 testing, Tupelo doctor says

Only are people who suspect they have the virus getting tested, but also people who are trying to make sure they don.t ahead of spending time with their families over the holidays.

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"covid is spreading, it is not a hoax, it is not political.

It does not care if you're republican, democrat, black, white, hispanic, latino."

The mississippi department of health reports there are more than 1500 new cases since tuesday.

And systems cheif medical officer of north mississippi medical center dr. blanchard says the number of people getting tested is also rapidly increasing.

"two days ago we did over a thousand tests as i states that's the most we've ever done.

It's not because we didn't have the testing capabilities but because that's how many people are showing up."

However, even with the increase dr. blanchard says for north mississippi medical facilites patients are able to get tested in a timely manner.

"we are not having issues with lines waiting to get tested."

He added as of right now, north mississippi medical facilites are also not at a shortage of medical supplies.

"we have enough ppe to provide the care that is necessary."

However, dr. blanchard warns the community at this rate that could quickly change for facilites.

He says there is only one real way the community can stop the spread of the virus without an available vaccine.

"if they wear their mask, we can almost shut this down until the vaccines come."

Speaking of a vaccine one could be available soon but for who?

I spoke with doctor blanchard about that as well and he explained who will be the first to have access to the vaccine and why you should take it.

That's tonight at 6 for now reporting in tupelo erin wilson wtva 9 news an ongoing