MEMPHIS, Tennessee — 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
Mississippi has 847 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 77 positive cases in DeSoto County
10:30 a.m. - The Mississippi Department of Health is reporting 89 new cases of COVID-19 in the state with 2 new deaths; total of 16 deaths.
Here's the breakdown of Mississippi cases and deaths MidSouth counties in the:
- Alcorn - 1 confirmed case
- Benton - 4 confirmed cases
- Coahoma - 20 confirmed cases
- DeSoto - 77 confirmed cases, 1 death
- Lafayette - 14 confirmed cases
- Marshall - 13 confirmed cases
- Panola - 6 confirmed cases
- Quitman - 4 confirmed cases
- Tate - 11 confirmed cases
- Tippah - 23 confirmed cases, 2 deaths
- Tunica - 12 confirmed cases, 1 death
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Arkansas now has 449 confirmed COVID-19 cases in state
Key facts to know:
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Shelby County as 17 new new cases of COVID-19
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, there were 1,537 positive cases in Tennessee, with 7 deaths. 133 hospitalizations in Tennessee. There have been 20,574 total tests taken in Tennessee.
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President Trump extends national social distancing guidelines to April 30th
5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 29 - Washington D.C. - (Associated Press) - President Donald Trump is extending the voluntary national shutdown for a month as sickness and death from the coronavirus pandemic rise in the U.S.
The initial 15 days of social distancing urged by the federal government is expiring and Trump had expressed interest in relaxing the guidelines at least in parts of the country less afflicted by the pandemic. But instead he decided to extend them to April 30th.
Many states and local governments have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings. The federal guidelines recommend against against large group gatherings, promote social distancing, and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home.
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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.