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 August 4th
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Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland extends state of emergency
4:45 p.m. - Mayor Strickland has extended the State of Emergency. Click here to read the executive order.
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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov Tate Reeves addresses school plans in COVID-19 update
2:30 p.m. - From Gov. Reeves' Facebook page: "After reviewing every school’s reopening plans, I am issuing an executive order delaying the start of some 7th-12th schools in hot spots. We are requiring masks in schools for teachers and students. We are also requiring masks at public gatherings statewide for two weeks—in a push to allow schools to safely reopen."
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1,805 new cases and 25 new deaths in TN; more than 73,200 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,805 new COVID-19 cases and 25 new deaths, for a total of 112,441 cases and 1,117 deaths in the state.
There have been 4,900 hospitalizations, and 73,259 have recovered. 1,591,310 have been tested in the state.
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Mississippi State Health Officer issues statewide isolation order for those with COVID-19
1:45 p.m. - (NEWS RELEASE) - Today State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH, issued a statewide order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19 effective immediately.
The Order – issued to everyone living in Mississippi – stipulates that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must immediately isolate at home.
Dobbs explains, “We have a lot of COVID activity throughout the state right now, so it is absolutely critical that anyone infected with COVID-19, and not hospitalized, must remain in the home or other appropriate residential location for 14 days from onset of illness (or from the date of a positive test for those who are asymptomatic).”
The failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of a health officer is, at a minimum, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500.00 (41-3-59) or imprisonment for six months or both. If a life-threatening disease is involved, failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of a health officer is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.00 or imprisonment for up to five years or both (41-23-2).
Persons infected with COVID-19 should limit exposure to household contacts. No visitors should be allowed in the home. Please stay in a specific room away from others in your home. Use a separate bathroom if available. If you need to be around others in your home, you should wear a facemask. Please see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html for guidance on preventing transmission in the home.
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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:
- 45,381 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,891 active cases
- 490 reported deaths
- 526 hospitalizations
- 101 on ventilators
- 37,240 recoveries
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1,074 new cases & 42 new deaths in MS; 61 new cases in Desoto County
12:30 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,074 new COVID-19 cases and 42 new deaths, for a total of 62,199 cases and 1,753 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 61 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 3,387 cases and 27 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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Mask mandate extended in Lauderdale County, TN, until August 29
11:50 a.m. - The Lauderdale County mayor has extended the county's mask mandate until August 29th.
The following was posted to Facebook:
"Declaration of Public Health Emergency:
After consulting with the municipal mayors, local and regional health departments, and the hospitals in West Tennessee, the decision has been made to extend the county mask mandate until 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time, on August 29, 2020. This decision is deemed necessary for the health and welfare of our citizens. I urge every one to be diligent in wearing your masks so that we can work together to protect ourselves and each other. My decision to implement this mandate several weeks ago was one that was not made lightly. This is a medical issue and only the information centered around the health and welfare of our citizens was considered when implementing this mandate. We have numerous citizens in our county who have medical issues that warrant our consideration when something as simple as wearing a mask can protect our neighbors and families. I hope the time comes very soon that this is no longer a needed defense and life can get back to a more normal day for us, but today is not that day. Governor Lee is leaving this decision to local mayors since the rising case numbers are unique to each county. After speaking with him directly, however, he does support and see the need for masks as he and his team deem it to be one of our best weapons against the spread of this virus. I want to thank all in advance for your understanding, and I appreciate your willingness to be conscious of your own health and safety as well as that of your neighbor. Lauderdale County is a great place to live, and I know we can all come together to protect each other."
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207 new cases and two new deaths in Shelby County; nearly 16,800 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 207 new COVID-19 cases amd 2 new deaths, for a total of 22,120 cases and 286 deaths in the county.
16,799 have recovered in the county.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Tuesday
- Collierville, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, 10660 Collierville Rd., 38107, 10:30 a.m.
- Memphis, First Baptist Broad, 2869 Broad Ave., 38112, 10 a.m. Kid Friendly
- Madison Cty, TN- Unity Temple, 369 Lexington, Jackson 38301, 10 a.m.
- McNairy Cty, TN- Lakeview Church, 877 W. Cherry, Selmer 38375, 9 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.