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
Go Ape Memphis is Reopening
Go Ape Memphis has re-opened its treetop adventure course, as well as the new Axe Throwing attraction.
The Go Ape Treetop Adventure courses offers more than 40 suspended obstacles, thrilling ziplines, and an amazing view of Shelby Farms Park.
Go Ape has implemented new procedures with guidance from national, state and local authorities. Go Ape’s forest doors are re-opening June 6 with reduced session capacities to keep you one gorilla length (at least 6’) from others. For more information on Go Ape COVID-19 protocols, click here.
Come prepared for your adventure by:
• Filling out your waiver online before arriving;
• Keeping your cash at home and card in hand if you’re looking to make additional purchases;
• Packing extra hand sanitizer;
• Staying at home for your health and the safety of others if you have been sick in the last two weeks;
• Following CDC guidelines if you are at higher risk.
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WATCH: Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Thursday COVID-19 update
As of Wednesday, June 3, Arkansas officials reported 249 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 8,067 positive cases in the state.
This week, Arkansas has seen the highest number of hospitalizations and 24-hour community spread cases ever since the beginning of COVID-19.
Arkansas has tested over 117,000 people for COVID-19 since March 11.
Key facts to know:
- 7,818 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 2,208 active cases
- 142 reported deaths
- 138 hospitalizations
- 30 on ventilators
- 5,717 recoveries
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Mississippi is reporting 238 new cases, 12 new deaths (16,560 total cases; 794 total deaths)
12:45 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 238 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 12 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 16,560, with 794 deaths.
Desoto County now has 575 cases; 10 total deaths.
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Free COVID-19 testing is available Monday - Friday at your local county health department, even if you don't have traditional symptoms
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Additional help is on the way to more than 85,000 Tennessee small businesses and their employees
10:45 a.m. - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act – bipartisan legislation he supported that provides the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) additional flexibility for the more than 85,000 Tennessee small businesses who have received forgivable loans through the program.
“As of May 30, the Small Business Administration had approved more than $8.8 billion in loans for 85,600 Tennessee businesses. Currently, businesses only have eight weeks to spend the money, which many business owners in Tennessee have said is not long enough to bridge the economic gap created by the COVID-19 outbreak,” Alexander said. “Giving businesses 24 weeks to use the loans better reflects the real world challenges facing small businesses and should help Tennessee small businesses retain more workers.”
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act provides greater flexibility for small businesses to use PPP loans. The bill triples the amount of time small businesses have to use the funds and extends the deadline for small businesses to apply for a PPP loan from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
Alexander supported the CARES Act, which created the Paycheck Protection Program. Alexander said the program provides sweeping relief to keep paychecks coming for workers.
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Southland Casino Racing to reopen table games June 8
10:30 a.m. - Southland Casino Racing will reopen certain types of table games at 10 a.m. June 8 with new health and safety standards under the Play It Safe™ program.
Blackjack and carnival games will reopen with a maximum of four players per table. Craps and Roulette are not included at this time.
Key elements of the Play It Safe program for table games:
- State-of-the-art shields/dividers have been installed at every table. The dividers enable four players at a table.
- Employees and customers are required to wear masks in accordance with the Play It Safe guidelines.
- The on-site Clean Team, which is equipped with Ecolab® multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant, will help protect guests by dispensing hand sanitizer and spot cleaning at the tables and other surfaces on request.
- Guests are having hands sanitized upon entering the building. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in the Pit areas for guest convenience. Hand sanitizer may be provided upon request.
- All blackjack games will be dealt in a way that guests do not make hand contact with the cards.
- In any game in which guests handle cards, the decks will be removed and replaced with new decks every two hours.
- Disinfectant is being applied to the chips daily prior to opening.
- When a guest departs a table, that player’s area will be sanitized.
Southland implemented the comprehensive Play It Safe program ahead of its May 18 reopening to help keep guests and employees safe while slowing the spread of COVID-19. The facility also undergoes rigorous, ongoing cleaning and sterilization with Ecolab® products, which are formulated to eliminate bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19, and closes nightly for a deep-cleaning of all public areas.
Southland reopened at one-third capacity per the state’s directive, with a reduced number of slots and no table games, live racing, simulcast wagering or sports betting. Live racing, simulcast wagering and sports betting remain closed at this time. The Lucky North players club has limited hours, and food and beverage options are also limited, with the World Market Buffet closed. On an ongoing basis, the closed or limited services are being assessed for reopening.
The casino’s hours are 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
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132 new cases & 4 new deaths in Shelby County (5,544 cases/120 deaths total); 3,760 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 132 new COVID-19 cases, with 4 new deaths, for a total of 5,544 cases and 120 deaths in the county.
3,760 have recovered. 81,439 have been tested in the county.
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COVID-19 testing at Landers Center in Southaven Friday, June 5
The Mississippi Health Department and University of Mississippi Medical Center will hold free drive-through COVID-19 Testing Friday, June 5 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Testing is by appointment from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
You can make an appointment by going through a free screening from a UMMC clinician, either through the C Spire Health smartphone app or by phone 601-496-7200.
LOCATION: Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Thursday, June 4
- Memphis, New Direction, 6120 Winchester 38115, 11 a.m.
- Memphis, MAM-Grizzlies Ctr, 2107 Ball Rd. 38114, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Joyce M. Blackmon Training Center, 4949 Raleigh-LaGrange Road 38128, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Shady Grove MB Church, 1821 Kansas St. 38109, 11 a.m.
- Tate Cty, MS- Solid Rock, 16938 Hwy 4 East in Senatobia 38668, 10 a.m.
- Lafayette Cty, MS- Providence UMC, 126 County Rd. in Abbeville 38601, 10 a.m.
- Lafayette Cty, MS- 70 F. D. Buddy E. in Oxford, 10 a.m.
- Dyer Cty, TN- Macedonia COGIC, 806 Bruce in Dyersburg 38024, 10 a.m.
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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.