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
A look at COVID-19 numbers in Memphis and Shelby County for August 12th
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MATA says 11 employees total have now tested positive for COVID-19 since April
2:05 p.m. - MATA says eleven employees in total have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
The most recent announced today were a bus operator who was last at work July 31st and an employee in the finance department who was last at work August 6th.
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1,478 new cases & 18 new deaths in TN; nearly 82,300 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,478 new COVID-19 cases and 18 new deaths, for a total of 126,393 cases and 1,289 deaths in the state.
There have been 5,554 hospitalizations, and 87,290 recoveries. 1,757,690 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.
Key facts to know:
- 51,114 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 7,343 active cases
- 573 reported deaths
- 486 hospitalizations
- 116 on ventilators
- 42,139 recoveries
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1,081 new cases & 45 new deaths in MS; 43 new cases in Desoto County
12:15 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,081 new COVID-19 cases and 45 new deaths, for a total of 69,374 cases and 1,989 deaths.
Desoto County has 43 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 3,753 cases and 31 deaths in the county.
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119 new cases & 5 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 19,700 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 119 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 24,176 cases and 313 deaths in the county.
19,735 have recovered.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Wednesday
- Memphis, Greater Hope Baptist Church, 2660 Spottswood 38114, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 60 S. Parkway E. 38106, 9 a.m. No more than 2 households per car and must provide proof of residence
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union Ave. 38104, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, New Sardis MBC, 7739 E. Holmes Rd. 38125, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Eastside Comm. Church, 1503 Colonial 38117, 10 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- Mt. Pisgah, 3877 Cayce Byhalia 38611, 10 a.m.
- DeSoto Cty, MS- Sacred Heart DeSoto, 4560 Venture Southaven 38671, 10 a.m. PRE REGISTER 662.342.3180 OR BRING DRIVERS LICENSE DESOTO COUNTY ONLY
- Quitman Cty, MS - 810 Main Street Sledge, MS 38670, 10 a.m. Kid Friendly
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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.