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
The Tennessee Department of Health reports 739 new COVID-19 cases and 28 new deaths for a total of 185,148 cases and 2,261 deaths in the state.
Currently 766 have been hospitalized and 167,778 have recovered. 2,685,015 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.
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Joint Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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465 new cases & 36 new deaths in Mississippi; DeSoto County has 23 new cases and 4 new deaths
11:20 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 465 new COVID-19 cases and 36 new deaths, for a total of 94,021 cases and 2,846 deaths in the state.
DeSoto County has 23 new cases and 4 new deaths, for a total of 5,448 cases of 5,448, and 59 total deaths.
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108 new cases & 0 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 28,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 108 new COVID-19 cases and 0 new deaths, for a total of 30,594 cases and 464 deaths in the county.
There have been 28,426 recoveries in the county.
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DeSoto County Schools COVID-19 cases for week of Sept. 14 - Sept. 18
7:35 a.m. - Desoto County Schools reports 18 new COVID-19 cases among students. There are 6 teachers and staff who have tested positive.
161 students are in quarantine due to close contact.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Tuesday
6:35 a.m.:
- Memphis, Cathedral of Faith, 2212 Jackson Ave. 38112, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, 10660 Collierville Rd. Collierville 38017, 10:30 a.m.
- Memphis, Seeds of Hope Comm. Development, 1540 Castalia 38114, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, The Healing Center, 3885 Tchulahoma 38118, 9 a.m.- Noon
- Lauderdale Cty, TN- 145 S. Main Ripley 38063, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- Coahoma Cty, MS- Care Station, 1150 Wildcat Clarksdale 38614, 10 a.m.- 1 p.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.