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
MATA says 6th employee tests positive for COVID-19
4:00 p.m. - MATA said Wednesday a sixth employee, a trolley mechanic, has tested positive for COVID-19. They say the employee was last at work June 16th.
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Tennessee reports 932 new cases & 14 new deaths; nearly 24,700 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 932 new COVID-19 cases and 14 new deaths, for a total of 37,235 cases and 556 deaths in the state.
There are 2,386 hospitalizations, and 24,693 have recovered. 718,038 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.
(KTHV) - In the first week of Phase Two, Arkansas saw a total of 3,060 new coronavirus cases.
In the second phase, restaurants and businesses are allowed to fill up to two-thirds capacity and Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that nursing home visitations will continue on July 1.
Hutchinson has also issued a new guidance on face masks in the state, but has yet to make it a requirement to wear them in public settings.
Key facts to know:
- 17,375 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,063 active cases
- 240 reported deaths
- 267 hospitalizations
- 61 on ventilators
- 10,793 recoveries
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Mississippi reports 526 new cases & 22 new deaths; Desoto County has 42 new cases
12:55 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 526 new cases and 22 new deaths, for a total of 23,424 cases and 1,011 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 42 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 990 cases and 15 deaths in the county.
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Shelby County reports 191 new cases and 1 new death; nearly 5,800 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 191 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new deaths, for a total of 8,394 cases and 167 deaths in the county.
5,798 have recovered.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantries for Wednesday, June 24
- Memphis, Divine Life, 5270 Riverdale 38141, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Eastside Community Church, 1503 Colonial Rd. 38117, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union Ave. 38104, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Mt. Zion Baptist, 60 S. Parkway E. 38106, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Interdenominational Fellowship, 7906 Lowrance Rd. 38125, 9:30 a.m.
- Memphis, "Kid Friendly" Northaven Elementary, 5157 N. Circle Rd. 38127, 11 a.m.
- Benton Cty, MS- Greenwood Church, 4854 Lamar Rd., Lamar 38642, 10 a.m.
- Fayette Cty, TN- "Kid Friendly" Central Point Apts., 210 Jackson St., Galloway 38036, 10 a.m.
Bring driver’s license OR a current utility or other bill that verifies name and address in the county where the distribution takes place. You will be asked to fill out a short eligibility form. Only two households per vehicle please. If you are picking up for someone else, you must have their ID and they count as one household. Take note of Mobile Pantries that require pre-registration.
Food is placed in the back seat, trunk or truck bed by volunteers, so be sure you have space.
RELATED: 36,048 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tennessee, including 24,068 recoveries & 521 deaths
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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.
