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
A look at COVID-19 numbers in Memphis and Shelby County for September 2nd
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Mississippi child dies from COVID-19 and multi-symptom inflammatory syndrome
(WAPT) - A young child died Wednesday from COVID-19 and multi-symptom inflammatory syndrome, state health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said.
The child was between the ages of 1 and 5, Dobbs said, and the child was otherwise healthy.
"Very sad and a powerful reminder that most people get over it just fine, even young, healthy people can die from it," Dobbs said. "Everything that we do to prevent transmission in the community is an act of love that prevents transmission to others that can lead to serious outcomes."
Dobbs said seven cases of MIS-C have been reported in Mississippi and two deaths.
"Those are pretty much young folks that are going to get that," Dobbs said.
Dobbs asked residents to avoid large gatherings, wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines over the Labor Day weekend.
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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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1,502 new cases & 16 new deaths in TN; more than 120,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,502 new COVID-19 cases and 16 new deaths, for a total of 157,831 cases and 1,797 deaths in the state.
There have been 7,061 hospitalizations, 120,675 recoveries, and 2,234,298 have been tested.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
Key facts to know:
- 62,112 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,036 active cases
- 841 reported deaths
- 435 hospitalizations
- 85 on ventilators
- 54,408 recoveries
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781 new cases & 33 new deaths in MS; 42 new cases & 3 new deaths in Desoto County
11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 781 new COVID-19 cases and 33 new deaths, for a total of 84,365 cases and 2,526 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 42 new cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 4,713 cases and 48 deaths in the county.
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82 new cases & 1 new death in Shelby County; nearly 25,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 82 new COVID-19 cases and one new death, for a total of 27,779 cases and 385 deaths in the county.
There have been 24,743 recoveries.
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Mid-South food Bank mobile pantry locations
6:35 a.m. - Here are the locations for Wednesday's mobile pantries from the Mid-South Food Bank.
- Memphis, Idleiwild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Ave 38104, 9 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- Chulohoma, 5509 MS-4 Holly Springs 38635, 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.