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
WATCH: Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Friday COVID-19 update
(KTHV) - As of Thursday, June 4, Arkansas officials reported 358 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 8,425 positive cases in the state.
This week, Arkansas has seen the highest number of hospitalizations and 24-hour community spread cases ever since the beginning of COVID-19.
Arkansas has tested over 12,100 people for COVID-19 for the month of June.
Key facts to know:
- 8,425 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 2,355 active cases
- 151 reported deaths
- 137 hospitalizations
- 32 on ventilators
- 5,919 recoveries
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Shelby County Sheriff's Office confirms additional employee tests positive
SCSO says a total 70 of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19. This is an increase of one positive case since it was first reported last week.
One employee is hospitalized, 50 others have recovered.
All of the detainees who tested positive have recovered.
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87 new cases & 2 new deaths in Shelby County (5,631 cases/122 deaths total); 3,850 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 87 new COVID-19 cases, with 2 new deaths, for a total of 5,631 cases and 122 deaths in the county.
3,850 have recovered. 82,472 have been tested in the county.
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Tristate Community Health hosting FREE testing Friday
- Time: 9am-1pm
- Where: 1725 Pinebrook Dr., Memphis, TN 38116 & 4041 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, TN. 38118
FOR APPOINTMENT TEXT: COV2019 to 91999
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Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis to give out food and other essential supplies Friday
7:30 a.m. - The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) hosts the second 38126 COVID-19 Response Project event providing 500 families who live in the South City / 38126 zip code with food and other direct resources.
“We are serving the families in 38126 by providing basic essential needs during the COVID-19 health crisis. We are thankful to our grantee partners, volunteers, and sponsors who believe in our vision of philanthropy, leadership and collaboration,” said Ruby Bright, President, and CEO, WFGM.
The WFGM team and volunteers distributed food to 500 families, 1,000 household products and personal hygiene packages. In partnership with Kroger, WFGM provided over 500 $50 gift cards to meet the immediate need of families. The residents also received packets of information on the COVID-19 virus, testing locations, financial literacy, domestic violence, health and wellness, and employment opportunities.
FedEx donated hygiene kits along with Heart to Heart International and International Medical Corps to help Memphis families as part of its FedEx Cares 50 by 50 initiative. The company’s goal is to positively impact 50 million people by the company’s 50th anniversary in 2023.
The event starts at 10 a.m., at 690 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126
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COVID-19 testing at Landers Center in Southaven Friday
The Mississippi Health Department and University of Mississippi Medical Center will hold free drive-through COVID-19 testing Friday, June 5 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Testing is by appointment only from noon-4pm.
People seeking an appointment must first be screened by an UMMC clinician, either through the C Spire Health smartphone app or by calling 601-496-7200. Appointments can be made from 8am-8pm.
DeSoto County is not conducting the testing - but is supporting the state and UMMC at the site.
The health department reported 16 new COVID-19 cases and 2 deaths Thursday for a total of 575 cases and 10 deaths in DeSoto County. Health experts estimate more than 430 people in DeSoto County have recovered.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Friday, June 5
- Memphis, Colonial Park UMC, 5330 Park Ave 38119, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, MHA 1395 Pennsylvania 38106, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 7981 Summer Ave. 38133, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, "Kid Friendly" School Seed Foundation, 320 Joubert 38109, 4 p.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- Mt. Pisgah, 3877 Cayce in Byhalia 38611, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Women's Foundation 690 Mississippi 38126, 10 a.m. Serving 38126 residents only
- Benton Cty, MS- 17136 Hwy 5 in Ashland 38603, 10 a.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.
