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 23rd
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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives updates on COVID-19 in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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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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1,561 new cases & 14 new deaths in Tennessee; more than 169,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,561 new COVID-19 cases and 14 new deaths, for a total of 186,709 cases and 2,275 deaths in the state.
There are currently 779 hospitalizations, and 169,649 recoveries. 2,706,717 have been tested in the state.
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Latest COVID-19 numbers in Arkansas
Key facts to know:
- 74,772 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 2,078 probable cases
- 6,188 active cases
- 407 active probable cases
- 1,060 reported deaths
- 149 probable deaths
- 459 hospitalizations
- 88 on ventilators
- 67,519 recoveries
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MATA says 14th employee tests positive for COVID-19
12:00 p.m. - MATA says a fourteenth employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
The company says the MATA bus operator was last at work September 16th.
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96 new cases & 3 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 28,500 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 96 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 30,690 cases and 449 deaths in the county.
There have been 28,510 recoveries in the county.
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552 new cases & 24 new deaths in Mississippi; DeSoto County has 29 new cases and 0 new deaths
9:40 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 552 new COVID-19 cases and 24 new deaths, for a total of 94,573 cases and 2,870 deaths in the state.
DeSoto County has 29 new cases and 0 new deaths, for a total of 5,477 cases and 59 total deaths.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Wednesday
6:25 a.m.:
- Memphis, Gray's Creek Church, 3141 Inglewood Pl. Arlington 38002, 1 p.m.
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union Ave. 38104, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Westwood Youth Development, 620 Parkrose 38109, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lake Cty, TN- 522 Bishop Ridgely 38080, 10 a.m.
- Quitman Cty, MS- 810 Main St. Sledge 38670, 10 a.m. Kid Friendly
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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.