The number of deaths connected with the novel coronavirus has eclipsed the number of 2019 homicide victims in metro New Orleans, according to an analysis by The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate.

By Thursday, Orleans Parish's 125 deaths, which have accumulated in only a month's time, eclipsed the total of 120 killed by gun violence in 2019. Louisiana Department of Health officials said the COVID-19 death total for New Orleans stands at 161 as of Sunday.

Jefferson Parish's death toll exceeded its 2019 homicide count on Tuesday, while St. Tammany Parish surpassed its 2019 homicide total on Saturday.

(Chart below: Numbers out of parentheses represent deaths associated with COVID-19; inside parentheses indicate homicide victims)

Deaths associated with COVID-19 vs. homicide victims in 2019 Orleans Parish: 161 (120) Jefferson Parish: 113 (48) St. Tammany Parish: 14 (11) St. John the Baptist Parish: 24 (10) St. Charles Parish: 13 (4)

Smaller surrounding parishes, such as St. Charles and St. John the Baptist, had their handful of killings outpaced by the deadly virus by Tuesday as well.

The grim milestonecomes as state health officials continue to report significant spikes in coronavirus-related deaths across the state. The death toll reached 477 victims, with Sunday seeing the biggest day-to-day jump at 68 new deaths.

According to statistical models, up to 3,100 state residents could die from COVID-19 by early May, and that toll could rise unless restrictions put in place that limit large gatherings and keep non-essential business temporarily closed are maintained throughout the spring.

+2 68 new coronavirus deaths in Louisiana reported, marking biggest day-to-day jump; see Sunday totals Louisiana health officials reported 68 new coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday and 514 new known infections, with the majority of those numbe…

Homicide data wasn't immediately available for St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.

Staff writer Jeff Adelson contributed to this report.