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 July 15th
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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2,273 new cases & 16 new deaths in TN; more than 39,800 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,273 new COVID-19 cases and 16 new deaths, for a total of 69,061 cases and 783 deaths in the state.
There are 3,434 hospitalizations, and 39,857 recoveries. 1,097,053 have been tested in Tennessee.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - On Saturday, July 11, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed 1,061 new coronavirus cases in the state within 24 hours, bringing the biggest single day increase since the start of the pandemic in Arkansas.
Governor Hutchinson said the record high number of cases is concerning and could be a result of July 4th celebrations.
Last week, Gov. Hutchinson also announced schools will return this fall, but will return at a later date. The start date of school will be the week of August 24, but no later than August 26.
Key facts to know:
- 30,297 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,510 active cases
- 335 reported deaths
- 458 hospitalizations
- 82 on ventilators
- 22,106 recoveries
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1,025 new cases & 18 new deaths in MS; 62 new cases in Desoto County
1:10 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,025 new COVID-19 cases and 18 new deaths, for a total of 38,567 cases and 1,290 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 62 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 2,112 cases and 20 deaths in the county.
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249 new cases & 6 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 9,700 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 249 new cases and 6 new deaths, for a total of 14,804 cases and 229 deaths in the county.
9,748 have recovered. 162,448 have been tested in the county.
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Memphis Mayor extends State of Emergency
9:05 a.m. - Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has extended the State of Emergency for the City.
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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Wednesday
Here are the locations for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry for Wednesday, July 15.
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union 38104, 9 am.
- Memphis, Mt Zion Baptist Church, 60 S Parkway E 38106, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Eastside Community Church, 1503 Colonial, 38117, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, MAM-Leawood, 3638 Macon, 38122, 10 a.m.
- DeSoto, MS- 4560 Venture Southaven, 38671, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. or first 300 families. DeSoto County residents only. Must pre-register by calling 662-342-3180. Bring driver’s license; no more than 2 households per vehicle.
- Quitman Cty, MS- 810 Main Street Sledge, 38670, 10 a.m. Kid Friendly
RELATED: Shelby County defends closing bars
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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.