MEMPHIS, Tenn. — COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus and cases are spreading around the Mid-South since the virus arrived in the United States in February.
At Local 24, our coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit our coronavirus section for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about COVID-19, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here.
We will continue to track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Memphis and the Mid-South on this page. Refresh often for new information
LIVE UPDATES
107 new cases in Arkansas, over 6,000 total
(KTHV) - As of Monday, May 25, Arkansas officials reported 107 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 6,029 positive cases in the state.
Governor Hutchinson announced on Saturday an investigation is being conducted after an applicant accessed the unemployment system and reported a potential data exposure to officials. He was notified Friday night and the system was shut down immediately in order to prevent a data breach.
As of Monday, May 18 all retail stores in Arkansas are open for business, except bars.
Key facts to know:
- 6,029 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 1,663 active cases
- 117 reported deaths
- 86 hospitalizations
- 4,249 recoveries
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462 new cases & 2 new deaths in TN (20,607 cases/338 deaths total); nearly 300,000 tested in the state
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of health reports 462 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 20,607 cases and 338 deaths in the state.
There are 1,594 hospitalizations, and 13,073 have recovered. 396,219 have been tested.
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206 new cases & 10 new deaths in MS (13,458 cases/635 deaths total)
11:15 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 206 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 10 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 13,458, with 635 deaths.
Desoto County has 13 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 474 cases and 6 deaths.
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95 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County (4,404 cases/93 deaths total); nearly 3,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 95 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 4,404 cases and 93 deaths. 2,974 have recovered in total.
64,861 total have been tested in Shelby County.
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Latest numbers in TN, AR, MS
7:30 a.m. - Here's a look at the latest numbers from over the weekend:
Tennessee - The Tennessee Department of Health reports a total of 20,145 cases and 336 deaths as of Sunday. 12,837 have recovered. Find more HERE.
- Shelby County reports 4,309 cases and 93 deaths. Find more HERE.
Mississippi - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports a total of 13,252 cases and 625 deaths in the state as of Sunday. Desoto County has a total of 461 cases and 6 deaths. Find more HERE.
Arkansas - The Arkansas Department of Health reports 5,992 cases in the state with 116 deaths total in the state as of Sunday. 4,1,48 have recovered. Find more HERE.
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The Mid-South Food Bank is closed for Memorial Day It will reopen Tuesday. Find details HERE.
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Coronavirus in Context:
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
