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
City of Germantown cancels Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza
(NEWS RELEASE) - The City of Germantown continues to prioritize public health and safety in the wake of the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the course of the last two months, many difficult decisions have been made. It is due to these unfortunate circumstances that the City of Germantown regrets to announce that the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza will not go on as planned this year and will be postponed until 2021.
“Each year, our fireworks show draws tens of thousands of people to Municipal Park, and it’s certainly a treasured community event. Ultimately, the community’s safety is our number one priority, and we must adhere to state and local health directives which say large public events are not allowed and aren’t likely to be allowed for some time,” said Germantown Parks and Recreation Director Pam Beasley. “We look forward to the return of this celebratory event in 2021.”
With the annual fireworks display drawing such large crowds, acceptable social distancing measures would be difficult, if not impossible to maintain between those in attendance. In addition, the City continues to be mindful of the budget impacts associated with COVID-19.
“While this is an annual event we look forward to every summer, we must continue to keep public health at the forefront,” said Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo. “We can still celebrate our nation’s independence and will continue to look forward to a day when it is safe for us to gather as a community again.”
It deeply saddens us that some of the community’s staple summer events, such as the Germantown Charity Horse Show and the fireworks display, have to be postponed to the following year; however, it is absolutely necessary to protect the health of our residents and continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the community. In the meantime, the Germantown Parks and Recreation department is actively working to identify opportunities for events that can take place virtually or smaller scale events that would allow the requirements for social distancing to be met.
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TN Governor's Office says state's Economic Recovery Group will lift capacity restrictions on restaurants/retail; focus on large attractions
2:40 p.m. - TN GOV'S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE) - As Tennessee continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the state’s Economic Recovery Group announced today it will lift capacity restrictions on restaurants and retail to instead focus on social distancing best practices effective May 22 and issue guidelines to facilitate the safe reopening of larger, non-contact attractions on or after May 22. New Tennessee Pledge guidelines will be released early next week. Six counties – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – may continue to follow individual, county-specific reopening plans created in consultation with State and local health departments.
“Tennesseans have worked incredibly hard to do their part and help slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our state can begin to reopen. Thanks to their continued efforts, we’re able to allow restaurants and retail businesses to operate at greater capacity and large attractions to open in a safe and thoughtful way,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Our state continues to see downward trends in case growth and meets the White House criteria for a phased reopening. This progress has been hard-won, and we can build upon it by reopening while also maintaining common-sense safety measures like mask-wearing and good hygiene. By taking the Tennessee Pledge, our businesses can reopen in a way that protects the health of their customers and employees, and protects the livelihoods of hard-working Tennesseans.”
The new Large Attractions guidance applies to those businesses that can effectively practice social distancing with strong measures to protect both employees and customers, including racetracks, amusement parks, waterparks, theaters and dinner theaters, auditoriums, large museums and more. Restrictions on social gatherings of more than 10 people remain in place for the time being. Updates to Restaurant Guidance will include a lift on capacity restrictions, allowing for increased service as long as social distancing guidelines are adhered to, including 6 feet between tables.
The updated guidelines come as Tennessee continues to meet the White House state gating criteria for phased reopening.
The gating criteria include:
- Symptoms
- Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported within a 14-day period; AND
- Downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic (CLI) cases reported within a 14-day period
- Cases
- Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period; OR
- Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests)
- Hospitals
- Treat all patients without crisis care; AND
- Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing
Hospital capacity remains sufficient to meet the needs of patients, while the state continues to meet the goal of testing 2 percent of the population per month.
The Economic Recovery Group (ERG), composed of 30 leaders from the public and private sector, is crafting guidance to assist businesses in a safe reopening. The industry representatives participating in the ERG collectively represent over 140,000 Tennessee businesses that employ over 2.5M Tennesseans. More information about ERG is available here.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(MS GOV'S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE) - Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced the next step for Mississippi to continue safely reopening the state's economy and getting people back to work while flattening the curve of COVID-19.
Working to protect the lives of Mississippians as well as their livelihoods, Governor Reeves consulted with state health officials to build on the state's measured, strategic plan to reopen our economy while protecting public health. In a new executive order, the Governor lays out strict social distancing guidelines and sanitation protocols for tattoo parlors to begin reopening today.
"Our safer-at-home order does not expire until May 25th, but I don’t want to wait if there are things that we can safely do to allow people to return to work. To that end, I signed a new executive order today. It allows tattoo parlors to re-open with health guidelines that are very similar to those for salons and barbers. It is an effort to affirm that there is no such thing as a nonessential business to those workers who rely on its paycheck for food and shelter," said Governor Tate Reeves.
Having worked closely with the Mississippi Gaming Commission on mapping out the reopening of casinos throughout the state, Governor Reeves also announced that they have established a date for them to safely reopen following strict guidelines for casino workers.
"I want to also update the people of Mississippi on another reopening. We’ve been working with the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and they have set a date and guidelines for casino workers to safely return to work. It won’t be at full capacity and there are social distancing rules in place. But it is a progress for an industry that employs thousands of Mississippians," said Governor Reeves.
Governor Reeves announced his new executive order and casino reopenings at his daily press briefing today, which you can view on our Facebook page here.
The strict social distancing guidelines implemented under Executive Order No. 1486 to safely reopen tattoo parlors include:
For businesses:
- Before they can reopen, the tattoo parlor must be deep-cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized top to bottom. After opening, tattoo parlors must be deep-cleaned daily.
- All tattoo parlors are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Services are allowed only by appointment. No walk-in customers at this time.
- Minimizing person-to-person contact through technology, like mobile or online reservations and contact-less payment, is encouraged.
- Tattoo parlors must post signage at each entrance stating no customer with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms are allowed in.
- Only one customer per employee is allowed in the tattoo parlor at any given time.
- Tattooing and piercing around the mouth and nose are prohibited.
- Chairs are to be rearranged to ensure at least 6 feet between each customer.
- Chair and workstations must be sanitized after each use by a customer.
- All high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.
- Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances.
For employees:
- All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
- All employees must be provided training on how to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are encouraged to wear face shields while tattooing a customer.
- Employees must also wear disposable gloves and change them between customers, as well as wash their hands between every customer.
For customers:
- All waiting areas are to remain closed. Customers must wait in their vehicles until their appointment time and they are called for screening before entering.
- Customers must sanitize their hands when entering and exiting.
- All customers must be screened upon entry.
- Customers must wear a face covering, such as a cloth mask, while inside at all times.
The new executive order also enables restaurants that do not serve alcohol to offer in-house dining to the public 24 hours a day and allows dance studies to open following the same guidelines as gyms.
For outdoor recreation, the hours of operation restriction on parks previously implemented under Executive Order No. 1478 are removed and will be established by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or local authorities. The prohibition on fishing tournaments under Executive Order No. 1473 is also removed.
You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1486 here.
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271 new cases & 3 new deaths in TN 16,970 cases/290 deaths total); more than 9,200 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 271 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths. TDH says 9,280 have recovered in total.
That brings the total number of cases in the state to 16,970, and 290 deaths. There are 1,454 hospitalizations, and 309,756 have been tested.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
As of Friday, May 15 Arkansas officials announced 97 new COVID-19 cases, bring the total to 4,463 positive cases in the state.
On Wednesday, Gov. Hutchinson announced Arkansas is not ready to enter Phase 2 of reopening the state at this point.
Key facts to know:
- 4,463 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 975 active positive cases
- 73,215 total tests
- 69,051 negative test results
- 98 reported deaths
- 3,340 recoveries
(AR DEPT. OF HEALTH NEWS RELEASE) - The Arkansas Department of Health’s Local Health Units across the state will offer COVID-19 testing beginning Monday.
Testing is encouraged for all individuals who believe they have had contact with or been exposed to a positive case as well as anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Tests will also be offered to anyone with or without symptoms who lives in or has traveled to an area experiencing active transmission.
Those seeking a test should confirm that the health unit is open and call ahead for an appointment so that staff can prepare and ensure safe spacing between patients. A list of health units is available at healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.
Patients will be directed to self-collect specimens outside of the unit using a provided nasal swab and container. The specimens will then be sent to the state Public Health Laboratory. Results are typically made available within 48 to 72 hours, though it can take up to a week. Positive patients will be notified as soon as a result is available.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests, but insurance may be billed for patients who have it.
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Tennessee prisons report 4th inmate death in virus outbreak
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A fourth Tennessee prison inmate has died after contracting the coronavirus.
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, the 71-year-old man was hospitalized on April 29 and died on Thursday at around 11 p.m.
He is the third inmate to die after contracting the virus at the privately run Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. One inmate who contracted the virus at the state-run Bledsoe County Correctional Complex has also died.
The Correction Department has said all the men had underlying medical conditions, and it is asking the medical examiner to determine the causes of death in each case.
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - COVID-19 Joint Task Force update with Doug McGowen, COO, City of Memphis and Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Director, Shelby County Health Department.
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318 new cases & 13 new deaths in MS (10,801 cases/493 deaths total); Desoto County has 14 new cases & 3 new outbreaks at long-term care facilities
11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 318 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths in the state. There have now been a total of 10,801 cases and 493 deaths in the state.
Desoto County reports 14 new cases and no new deaths for a total of 369 cases and 5 deaths in the county. There are also 3 new outbreaks at long-term care facilities, for a total of 9 in the county.
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46 new cases & 4 new deaths in shelby County (3,569 cases/82 deaths total); More than 2,100 have recovered
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 46 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new deaths in the county. 2,161 have recovered.
There have been a total of 3,569 cases and 82 deaths in the county. 48,130 people have been tested in Shelby County.
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Malco's Summer Drive-In Theatre reopens today
Friday, May 15, 6:30 a.m. - Memphis-based Malco Theatres will reopen the Summer Drive-In Theatre today.
The classic quad-screen cinema is one of only 330 drive-in theatres remaining in the United States and has been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The theatre, located at 5310 Summer Avenue in Memphis, will offer a nightly $20 carload special, presenting double features at sundown of Trolls: World Tour followed by Doolittle on two screens and The Invisible Man with The Hunt on the other two screens.
In order to meet strict social distancing guidelines, overall vehicle admission will be limited per screen and attendees must purchase the carload ticket in advance via www.malco.com or the Malco app. Summer Avenue traffic will be closely monitored with only those exhibiting a pre-purchased carload ticket (printed or via phone) being granted admission. To assist with traffic flow and ease entry congestion, two gates will be designated for guests with pre-purchased tickets and a third line will be used for overflow as necessary. Advance purchase carload tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable.
As part of the reopening strategy, a safety program providing extra measures will be followed, including observing social distancing by limiting attendance to 50%.
- Employees will don gloves and masks/face coverings
- Restroom usage will be monitored and limited by an employee
- Restrooms will be sanitized every 30 minutes
- Concession stand access will have separate areas for ordering and item pickup, with clear six-foot ground markings
- Customers will be issued an order number for pickup
- The concession menu will be limited to soft drinks/beverages, popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, soft pretzels and pre-packaged candy. All food items will be served in sealed packaging with disposable vessels. Popcorn and soft drinks/beverages purchases will be single serve only with no refills allowed.
Malco encourages guests to follow the new operational procedures and assist the on-going efforts to fight the coronavirus.
- Wash hands frequently
- Use hand sanitizer when available
- Maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times
- Wear a mask or face covering when visiting the concession stand or restroom
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for May 15, 2020
- Memphis, The Healing Center 3885 Tchulahoma 38118, 10 a.m. Must Have Pre-registered
- Memphis, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 491 McLemore 38106, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Shady Grove Pres. 5530 Shady Grove 38112, 10 a.m.
- Lauderdale Cty, TN- Fountain of Life 748 Tigrett in Halls 38040, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Bellevue Ministries, 672 N. Trezevant 38112, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Colonial Park UMC, 5330 Park 38119, 10 a.m.
- Quitman Cty, MS- 417 10th St. in Lambert 38643, 10 a.m.
- Lauderdale Cty, TN- Holly Grove Baptist Church 155 College in Ripley 38063, 9 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.