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 30th
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch Here.
(NEWS RELEASE) - Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his new comprehensive Safe Recovery order as a one-stop resource for Mississippians as we continue to flatten the curve on new COVID-19 cases.
Throughout this pandemic, one of the top priorities for the Governor has been transparency and keeping Mississippians up-to-date on the state's response. Replacing the Safe Return order and its amendments, Governor Reeves has combined all social distancing measures into one executive order to ensure understanding and keep people better informed.
"I have always tried to stress the important balance of this time: we cannot allow our system to collapse, and we should not use the heavy-hand of government more than it is justified," said Governor Tate Reeves. "We have to tailor our actions to the current threat, and make sure that they do not go beyond what is reasonable."
The Governor made the announcement at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here.
Under the new executive order, some social distancing restrictions have been eased as our new COVD-19 case numbers continue to improve. A few of the relaxed restrictions include increasing attendance at outdoor K-12 extracurricular events such as football games to 50% of seating capacity, limiting group gatherings when you are unable to social distance to no more than 20 indoors and 100 outdoors, and requiring masks for schools and close contact businesses like salons and barbershops. The order is in effect until Wednesday, November 11 at 5:00 PM.
You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1525 here. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on our website at governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.
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1,528 new cases & 34 new deaths Tennessee; more than 179,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,528 new COVID-19 cases and 34 new deaths, for a total of 196,139 cases and 2,454 deaths in the state.
There are currently 806 hospitalizations, 179,332 recoveries, and 2,876,722 have been tested in the state.
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78 new cases & 5 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 29,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 78 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 31,540 cases and 462 deaths in the county.
There have been 29,552 recoveries in the county.
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552 new cases & 12 new deaths in Mississippi; 16 new cases in Desoto County
9:35 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 552 new COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths, for a total of 98,190 cases and 2,969 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 28 new cases and 1 new death, for a total of 5,694 cases and 64 deaths in the county.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Wednesday
6:20 a.m.:
- Memphis, Greater Hope Baptist Church, 2660 Spottswood 38114, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 60 S. Parkway E. 38106, 9 a.m. No more than 2 HH per car and must provide proof of residence
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union Ave. 38104, 9 a.m.
- Fayette Cty, TN- 210 Jackson Galloway 38036, 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.