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
In daily update, Memphis Mayor looks at safer at home violations since phase 1 of reopening began
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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 response in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 response in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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Tennessee reports 158 new COVID-19 cases
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 158 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and an adjustment of 2 less deaths. There are now a total of 14,096 cases including 237 deaths in the state.
There are 1,266 hospitalizations and 6,783 have recovered. 236,328 people have been tested.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 response in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - As of Thursday, May 7, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed a total of 3,665 positive cases.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2,520 COVID-19 tests were performed in Arkansas, with a 1.5% positivity rate. This is the highest number of tests run in one day in the state since March 11.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Thursday during a press conference that the three casinos in Arkansas would be able to reopen at one-third capacity.
Hutchinson announced the casinos reopen plan as part of his phase one plan to reopen the state during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hutchinson said Dr. Nate Smith with the Arkansas Department of Health is developing the strict social distancing requirements. That guidance should be released late Thursday or on Friday.
Key facts to know:
- 3,665 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 59,995 total tests
- 56,384 negative test results
- 88 reported deaths
- 70 currently hospitalized
- 2,867 recoveries
- All Arkansas schools are closed for the remainder of the school year
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - COVID-19 Joint Task Force update with Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Director, Shelby County Health Department and Jennifer Randle, MSHA, BSMT, (AMT) Shelby County Health Department Laboratory Supervisor.
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Mississippi reports 262 new cases/22 new deaths (8,686 cases/396 deaths total); Desoto County reports 10 new cases/1 new death (320 cases/5 deaths total)
11:05 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 262 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 22 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 8,686, with 396 deaths.
Desoto County has 10 new cases and 1 new death, for a total of 320 cases in the county and 5 deaths.
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Shelby County reports 92 new cases and 6 new deaths (3,040 cases/64 deaths total)
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 92 new COVID-19 cases and 6 new deaths. There are now a total of 3,040 cases and 64 deaths total.
1,739 people have recovered.
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Memphis Botanic Garden Announces Phased Reopening
The Memphis Botanic Garden today announced a phased reopening plan designed for the safety of its members and guests. The Garden will reopen to members only on Thursday May 7th at 11:00 am, and then on Tuesday, May 19th, the Garden will expand admittance to daily fee guests. For the month of May, the Garden will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Designed to ramp up over time, other limitations that members and guests should be aware of include:
- Only outdoor spaces are currently reopening
- The Children’s Garden will remain closed for now, as will other “high touch” areas like the iconic red bridge and Prehistoric Plant Trail. These features will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
- The Garden will control the numbers admitted to the grounds - if needed - to assure that social distancing practices are adhered to. We strongly encourage:
- Groups of 10 or less
- Remaining six feet apart
- Wearing a mask
- Staying home if sick
- There will be one set of bathrooms open on the grounds (behind the stage and adjacent to Sara’s Place).
- Our Nursery at the Garden (retail plant shop) will remain available for on-line purchases only at this time.
- All special indoor events remain canceled for the month of May
- Fratelli’s restaurant is open for call-ahead orders with curbside pickup or on the grounds (picnic) dining.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for May 7, 2020
- Memphis, MAM-Grizzlies Center 2107 Ball 38114, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Abundant Grace Fellowship 1574 Shelby Drive 38116, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, YMCA-Cordova 7950 Club Center in Cordova 38106, 10:00 am.
- Memphis, Lord's Tabernacle 2818 Midland 38111, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Direction Church 6120 Winchester 38115, 11 a.m.
- Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida 1348 National 38112, 10 a.m.
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Over 3,600 coronavirus cases in Arkansas
As of Wednesday, May 6, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed a total of 3,611 positive cases.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2,520 COVID-19 tests were performed in Arkansas, with a 1.5% positivity rate. This is the highest number of tests run in one day in the state since March 11.
Key facts to know:
- 3,611 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 59,995 total tests
- 56,384 negative test results
- 87 reported deaths
- 69 currently hospitalized
- 2,123 recoveries
- All Arkansas schools are closed for the remainder of the school year
Cases in Arkansas' Mid-South counties:
- Crittenden County has 202 cases; 7 deaths
- Cross County has 27 cases
- Lee County has 4 cases; 1 death
- Mississippi County has 42 cases
- Monroe County has 4 cases
- Phillips County has 5 cases; 1 death
- Poinsett County has 25 cases; 2 deaths
- St. Francis County has 98 cases
RELATED: Families claim they weren’t notified of relatives’ positive coronavirus tests at nursing home
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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.
