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 July 21st
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Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland extends State of Emergency
2:10 p.m. - Mayor Strickland has extended the State of Emergency. Click here to read the executive order.
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Free COVID-19 Testing Saturday at Landers Center
- WHAT: COVID-19 Drive-through Testing
- WHEN: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- WHERE: Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven
(NEWS RELEASE) - The Mississippi Health Department and University of Mississippi Medical Center will hold free drive-through COVID-19 Testing Saturday, July 25 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Testing is by appointment only from 10am-2pm.
Testing is available for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat; or who has a known or potential exposure to someone confirmed with the virus. Screenings for appointments have moved online.
Those requesting a test now must complete a questionnaire at umc.edu/covidscreening. They can also call UMMC at (601) 496-7200 from 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday. DeSoto County is not conducting the testing - but is supporting the state and UMMC at the site.
The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 80 new COVID-19 cases today in Desoto County for a total of 2474 cases and 20 deaths.
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2,190 new cases & 24 new deaths in TN; more than 47,800 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,190 new COVID-19 cases and 24 new deaths, for a total of 81,944 cases and 871 deaths in the state.
There are 3,798 hospitalizations, and 47,852 have recovered. 1,237,411 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) - 728 new cases in Arkansas, 11 more deaths
Last week, Gov. Hutchinson announced a state-wide mandate for the state of Arkansas. The mask mandate will take effect on Monday, July 20.
The governor said this decision came after conversations with those on the front-lines and legislators. He said that the fight against COVID-19 will likely get harder, not easier, and this is a way to enlist everyone in the fight.
The state unemployment rate decreased from 9.6% in May to 8% in June. The national rate is 11.1%.
Key facts to know:
- 34,655 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 7,127 active cases as of July 20
- 374 reported deaths as of July 20
- 488 hospitalizations
- 111 on ventilators
- 26,397 recoveries as of July 20
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1,635 new cases & 31 new deaths in MS; 80 new cases in Desoto County
12:00 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,635 new COVID-19 cases and 31 new deaths, for a total of 45,524 cases and 1,389 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 80 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 2,474 cases and 20 deaths in the county.
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WATCH: Memphis/Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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Memphis/Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force asks public to limit testing
10:30 a.m. - The Memphis/Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force is asking you to only get tested if you are feeling sick or know you have been exposed. They say community testing sites are at capacity and backed up.
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211 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County; more than 11,500 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 211 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 16,978 cases and 244 deaths in the county.
11,541 have recovered. 176,750 have been tested in the county.
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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Tuesday
- Here are the locations for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry for Tuesday, July 21.
- Memphis, Paradise Entertainment Center, 645 E Georgia Ave, 38126, 9 a.m. Kid Friendly
- Memphis, Crosstown Memphis CDC, 1188 N Parkway 38105, 9 a.m.
- Fayette Cty, TN- Lagoshen MBC, 490 Lagoshen, Moscow, 38057, 10 a.m.
- Madison Cty, TN- Unity Temple, 369 Lexington, Jackson, 38301, 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.