MEMPHIS, Tenn. — COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus and cases continue to spread 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
A look at COVID-19 numbers in Memphis and Shelby County for July 7th
957 new cases & 44 new deaths in MS; 104 new cases & 2 new deaths in Desoto County
3:35 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 957 new COVID-19 cases and 44 new deaths, for a total of 32,214 cases and 1,158 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 104 new cases and 2 new deaths, for a total of 1,724 cases and 18 deaths in the county.
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Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland extends State of Emergency
2:45 p.m. - Mayor Strickland has extended the State of Emergency. Click here to read the executive order.
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1,359 new cases & 12 new deaths in TN; more than 31,800 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,359 new COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths, for a total of 53,514 cases and 665 deaths in the state.
There are 2,950 hospitalizations, and 31,827 recoveries. 920,801 have been tested in the state.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - Since the beginning of Phase Two, Arkansas has seen a total of 10,897 new coronavirus cases.
In a press conference on July 3, Gov. Hutchinson announced he signed an executive order, allowing cities to use a model ordinance to require mask wearing on a local level.
The governor also announced if any Arkansan has a COVID-19 related health concern, they can request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 election.
Key facts to know:
- 24,512 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,127 active cases
- 301 reported deaths
- 369 hospitalizations
- 81 on ventilators
- 17,834 recoveries
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Shelby County stand-alone bars must close, restaurants must close bar areas, indefinitely
12:45 p.m. - Tuesday, in a new health directive, Dr. Alisa Haushalter, the Shelby County Health Director, announced stand-alone bars would close indefinitely effective midnight Wednesday.
Shelby County restaurants can still operate but their bar areas must close and those establishments must now close at 10:00 p.m. each night, indefinitely.
The move came after COVID-19 case numbers, along with the positivity rate and transmission rate locally, trended upwards since Memorial Day.
Dr. Haushalter said Tuesday there's also the highest number of COVID-19 patients admitted at Shelby County hospitals to date and that the local situation is at a pivotal point.
The health director said bars were targeted primarily because they are more likely to cause transmission due to tighter group gatherings and fewer people wearing masks inside such establishments.
Dr. Haushalter also didn't rule out Tuesday additional restrictions for restaurant or gym capacity if the COVID-19 situation didn't stabilize locally.
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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146 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County; more than 7,700 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Department of Health reports 146 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 12,165 cases and 200 deaths.
The health department says there are 4,250 current cases, and 7,715 have recovered. 143,329 have been tested in the county.
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Urgent Team offers on-site COVID-19 testing to employers
7:35 a.m. - Urgent Team Walk-in Urgent Care in Bartlett is offering on-site COVID-19 testing to area employers.
“We recognize many employers are eager to bring their employees back to work as safely as possible and COVID-19 testing is a major step towards this goal,” said Urgent Team Division Vice President Nancy Becker. “Early detection through on-site testing can help reduce the spread of the virus and maintain a productive workforce.”
Urgent Team offers the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to indicate whether you are positive for the virus. This nasal swab test can detect viral RNA, which will be in the body before antibodies form or symptoms are present. In addition, Urgent Team offers the Antibody test to inform if you have had COVID-19 in the past.
Employers interested in on-site testing for their employees should contact, Urgent Team director of operations, Belinda Bridges at (662) 934-0259.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantries for Tuesday, July 7
6:10 a.m.:
- Memphis, For the Kingdom, 4100 Raleigh Millington 38128, 11 a.m.
- Memphis, Let's Clean USA, Raleigh Comm Ctr., 3678 Powers 38128, 9 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- David Temple, Multipurpose Bldg, 235 Memphis St., Holly Springs, 9 a.m.-Noon
- Lee Cty, MS- Tupelo Christian Prep, 5440 Endville Rd., Belden 38826, 10 a.m.
- Haywood Cty, TN- Brownsville Baptist, 5 N. Wilson Rd., Brownsville, 38012, 10 a.m.
- Madison Cty, TN- Unity Temple, 369 Lexington, Jackson 38301, 10 a.m.
- McNairy Cty, TN- 877 W. Cherry St., Selmer 38375, 10 a.m.
RELATED: COVID-19 risk chart: Going to bar, large church service among high-risk activities | View list
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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.