Mayor Lumumba Tests Negative for COVID-19

by Kayode Crown

Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba tested negative for COVID-19, Communications Director Candace Cole told the Jackson Free Press yesterday. Lumumba had a mouth swab on May 26 at a mobile testing site at Wood Village Apartments. His wife, Ebony Lumumba, also tested negative to COVID-19.

The Jackson-Hinds Community Health Center set up the site and collected the samples of many of the residents, even those without symptoms, to increase the testing rate and better mitigate the virus’ threat by identifying more people who may have COVID-19 but do not know it..”

Mayor Lumumba addressed the press before being tested for COVID- 19 on May 26, First Lady Ebony watches.

Kayode Crown

The mayor said the plan is not just for testing to be done at the premises of the health center, but at different places.

“That is what is taking place today. We have this mobile unit set up here outside this apartment complex, and we look forward to having more locations across the city,” he said before his test. “We want to make certain that we make it apparent to the residents that this is a resource that is available to them for free.”

JHCHC Director of Nursing Glendora Singleton said that people could call the main clinic number at 601-362-5321, use the extension for the telemedicine department to schedule a testing appointment with or without symptoms.

Email story tips to city/county reporter Kayode Crown at kayode@jacksonfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @kayodecrown.