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 9th
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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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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 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:
- 26,052 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,127 active cases
- 309 reported deaths
- 358 hospitalizations
- 89 on ventilators
- 19,396 recoveries
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1,605 new cases & 25 new deaths in TN; more than 33,600 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,605 new COVID-19 cases and 25 new deaths, for a total of 57,591 cases and 710 deaths in the state.
There are 3,088 hospitalizations, and 33,609 recoveries. 972,276 have been tested.
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703 new cases & 16 new deaths in MS
2:00 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 703 new cases and 16 new deaths, for a total of 33,591 cases and 1,204 deaths in the state.
Desoto County now has 1,818 cases reported and 18 deaths.
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RiverArtsFest cancels 2020 festival
1:55 p.m. - The RiverArtsFest board of directors announced Thursday the cancellation of the 2020 RiverArtsFest, which was scheduled for October 24-25 in downtown Memphis due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As an event that relies on the regional and national travel of more than 180 artists and the attendance of more than 20,000 people, we are confident this is the best decision to ensure the safety of our artists, our volunteers, our sponsors and our community during this uncertain time,” Bonnie Thornton, Festival Director, said.
“As a year-round, non-profit, volunteer-run organization with a mission to provide access to art experiences and support arts education in Memphis, RiverArtsFest is initiating and exploring a number of options to support local artists and the community throughout the rest of 2020,” Thornton continued.
The 15th Anniversary RiverArtsFest is already scheduled for October 23-24, 2021.
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The Church Health Center's scheduled testing for Friday canceled
1:15 p.m. - The COVID-19 testing event, scheduled on Friday, July 10 at Pursuit of God Church, has been canceled.
This is due to a community-wide backlog of tests and a significant delay in receiving test results.
Anyone with known exposure and/or exhibiting symptoms, however mild, is encouraged to click on this link for a comprehensive list of free community COVID-19 testing site locations, contact information and guidelines.
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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306 new cases & 7 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 8,235 recoveries
10:25 a.m. - The Shelby County Department of Health reports 306 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 12,773 cases and 208 deaths.
The health department says there are 4,328 current cases, and 8,237 have recovered. 147,772 have been tested in the county.
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Antibody testing available at The Shot Nurse
The Shot Nurse is now offering the Abbott ARCHITECT COVID-19 antibody test.
“It’s a simple blood test that checks for antibodies 21 days post-symptoms,” said Deborah Overall, RN and managing nurse for The Shot Nurse. “Or maybe you had sinus symptoms back in February, and you’re wondering if that was COVID-19, you can get the test to see if you’re carrying the antibodies.”
Even if someone tests positive for antibodies, it does not mean that person is immune to coronavirus. “It’s not 100 percent reliable as far as telling you you’re protected against COVID-19. Health experts still aren’t sure if you have antibodies, how long will they last or if it will protect you against re-infection. You should still wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, the usual measures.”
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantries for Thursday, July 9
- Memphis, Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1821 Kansas St 38109, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, New Direction, 6120 Winchester 38115, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Memphis, Bert Ferguson Comm Ctr, 8505 Trinity Rd., Cordova 38018, 10 a.m.
- DeSoto Cty, MS- Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 8455 Germantown Rd, Olive Branch 38654, 9 a.m.-Noon or first 300 families. DeSoto Cty residents only. Must pre-register by calling 662-342-3180. Bring driver's license; no more than 2 households per vehicle.
- Tunica Cty, MS- 10 Point Coalition at Rec. Ctr, 1165 Abbay Dr., Tunica 38676, 10 a.m.
RELATED: Here are all the businesses that should close July 8 at midnight according to Health Directive No. 8
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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.