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Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Breaking down the latest COVID-19 data in the Mid-South

With more news coming in every hour about the coronavirus, this post will update you with the latest you need to know.

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

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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 in the state

3:00 p.m. - WATCH HERE.

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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state

2:30 p.m. - WATCH HERE.

LIVE: Governor Tate Reeves

Mississippi is fighting a deadly enemy in COVID-19. Our hospitals are having to turn regular patients away because they are full. The best way we know to stop it is to wear a mask and try to stay away from crowds. If we can slow the spread, we can survive.

Posted by Tate Reeves on Thursday, July 23, 2020

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2,570 new cases & 37 new deaths in TN; more than 51,600 recoveries

2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,570 new COVID-19 cases and 37 new deaths, for a total of 86,987 cases and 925 deaths in the state.

There are 4,016 hospitalizations, and 51,661 recoveries. 1,295,115 have been tested.

Find the full breakdown from the Tennessee Department of Health HERE.

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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state

1:30 p.m. - WATCH HERE.

(KTHV) - Last week, Gov. Hutchinson announced a state-wide mandate for the state of Arkansas. The mask mandate will take effect on Monday, July 20.

The governor said this decision came after conversations with those on the front-lines and legislators. He said that the fight against COVID-19 will likely get harder, not easier, and this is a way to enlist everyone in the fight.

The state unemployment rate decreased from 9.6% in May to 8% in June. The national rate is 11.1%.

Key facts to know:

  • 36,259 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
  • 6,876 active cases as of July 23
  • 386 reported deaths as of July 23
  • 480 hospitalizations 
  • 107 on ventilators
  • 27,990 recoveries as of July 23

Find the full breakdown from the Arkansas Department of Health HERE.

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982 new cases & 13 new deaths in MS; 49 new cases & 1 new death in Desoto County

12:10 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 982 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths, for a total of 48,053 cases and 1,436 deaths in the state.

Desoto County has 49 new cases and 1 new death, for a total of 2,668 cases and 21 deaths in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Mississippi State Department of Health HERE.

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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing

12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.

Posted by City of Memphis on Thursday, July 23, 2020

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429 new cases and 5 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 12,400 recoveries

10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 429 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 17,684 cases and 256 deaths in the county.

There are 12,435 recoveries in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Shelby County health Department HERE.

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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Thursday

7:35 a.m. - Here is today's location for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry.

  • Memphis, Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1821 Kansas St., 38109, 9 a.m.
  • Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 1348 National, 38122, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, New Direction, 6120 Winchester, 38115, 11 am.-2 p.m.
  • Memphis, Bert Ferguson Community Center, 8505 Trinity Cordova, 38018, 10 a.m.
  • Lauderdale Cty, TN- First United Methodist, 145 S. Main Ripley, 38063, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Tipton Cty, TN- St Luke Covington, 632 Luke Rd. Covington, 38019, 9 a.m.
  • Obion Cty, TN- Second Baptist Obion, 831 Everett, Union City, 38261, 12 p.m.
  • Tunica Cty, MS- 3873 US 61 Tunica, 38676 (Arena), 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
  • DeSoto Cty, MS- Christ the King, 785 Church Rd., Southaven, 38671, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or first 500 families. MS residents only. Must pre-register by calling 662-342-3180. Bring driver’s license; no more than 2 households per vehicle.

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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.

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