LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WTVA)— A local doctor says Mississippi is still seeing the effects of Thanksgiving gatherings, so he’s warning people to avoid large gatherings for Christmas.

Dustin Gentry, Chief of Staff for Winston Medical Center, said the effects of Thanksgiving gatherings began stressing hospitals less than two weeks ago.

The rise in cases parallels the rise in hospitalizations.

“Each day there’s more patients that have tested positive," he said.

In a chart produced by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Gentry said the data suggests the state is seeing 25% more daily coronavirus cases compared to one month ago.

Now that Christmas is around the corner, Gentry is concerned about the strain on the hospital system.

He said hospital resources are depleting because of the time it takes for positive coronavirus patients to recover.

"The state’s capacity to take care of so many patients for several weeks at a time until they either get better and go home or pass away is being really stressed and strained right now," Gentry said.

He said his family planned to stay home and celebrate Christmas in July.