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 October 1st
------------------------------------
1,293 new cases & 47 new deaths in Tennessee; state passes 2,500 deaths total
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,293 new COVID-19 cases and 47 new deaths, for a total of 197,432 cases and 2,501 deaths in the state.
There are currently 846 hospitalizations, 180,781 recoveries, and 2,894,875 have been tested in the state.
----------------------------------------
Nearly 84,000 cases & more than 1,300 deaths total in Arkansas
1:50 p.m. - As of early Thursday, the Arkansas Department of Health reports 83,697 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and 1,369 confirmed and probable deaths in the state.
Other items of note:
- 80,610 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 3,087 probable cases
- 6,373 active cases
- 636 active probable cases
- 1,223 reported deaths
- 146 probable deaths
- 490 hospitalizations
- 93 on ventilators
- 73,007 recoveries
---------------------------------------------
WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
------------------------------------------------
103 new cases & 7 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 29,700 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 103 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 31,643 cases and 469 deaths in the county.
There have been 29,705 recoveries.
------------------------------------------
696 new cases & 10 new deaths in Mississippi; 30 new cases & 2 new deaths in Desoto County
9:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 696 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new deaths, for a total of 98,886 cases and 2,979 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 30 new cases and 2 new deaths, for a total of 5,724 cases and 66 deaths in the county.
-------------------------------------------
Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Thursday
7:05 a.m.:
- Memphis, Advent Presbyterian Church, 1879 N Germantown Pkwy Cordova 38016, 10 a.m.
----------------------------------------
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.