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 2nd
WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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1,575 new cases & 11 new deaths in TN; nearly 29,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,575 new cases and 11 new deaths, for a total of 46,890 cases and 620 deaths in the state.
There are 2,775 hospitalizations, and 28,938 have recovered. 838,084 have been tested.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - Since the beginning of Phase Two, Arkansas saw a total of 7,317 new coronavirus cases.
In a press conference on June 25, Gov. Hutchinson said there is currently a pause on reopenings in Arkansas.The statement comes after a reference to the governor of Texas "rolling back" on reopenings and some elective surgeries.
Hutchinson has also issued a new guidance on face masks in the state, but has yet to make it a requirement to wear them in public settings.
Key facts to know:
- 22,075 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,098 active cases
- 279 reported deaths
- 272 hospitalizations
- 69 on ventilators
- 15,698 recoveries
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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870 new cases & 10 new deaths in MS; 69 new cases in Desoto County
11:20 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 870 new cases and 10 new deaths, for a total of 28,770 cases and 1,092 deaths in the state.
Desoto County reports 69 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 1,442 cases and 16 deaths in the county.
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394 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County; nearly 7,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 394 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 10,602 cases and 192 deaths in the county.
6,970 have recovered in Shelby County, and 131,996 have been tested.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantries for Thursday, July 2
- Bartlett, TN- New Hope Christian Church, 3300 Kirby Whitten Rd. 38134, 9 a.m.
- Cordova, TN- Burt Ferguson Comm. Ctr., 8505 Trinity Rd. 38018, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, MLGW, 4949 Raleigh LaGrange Rd. 38128, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Direction Church, 6120 Winchester 38115, 11 a.m.
- Memphis, Colonial Park Methodist, 5330 Park Ave. 38119, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, For the Kingdom, 4100 Raleigh Millington Rd. 38128, 11 a.m.
- Tate Cty, MS- Solid Rock Church, 16938 Hwy 4 East, Senatobia 38668, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
No Mobile Pantry distributions Friday - Monday, July 3-6. The list will be updated on Monday.
Bring driver’s license OR a current utility or other bill that verifies name and address in the county where the distribution takes place.
Los clientes deben traer una forma de identificación que indique que son residentes del estado en donde se hará la distribución (licencia de conducir, o una factura de servicios públicos o otra factura con dirección de domicilio).
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Memphis in May Triathlon and Dragonfly Triathlon canceled
The 38th Annual Memphis in May Triathlon that had been rescheduled for August 22 and 23, is now canceled. Officials with P.R. Event Management says, having raced, volunteered and managed the Memphis in May Triathlon for the past 35 years, they must consider the health and safety of racers, sponsors, volunteers and staff as first priorities.
With the state of emergency for COVID-19 now extended to August 29, by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, it is deemed unsafe to gather large crowds even outdoors.
This decision also applies to the 31st Annual Dragonfly Sprint Triathlon scheduled in Sardis on August 29, which is also now cancelled.
Registered participants and all fees for the Memphis in May Triathlons or the Dragonfly Triathlon will automatically be transferred to the 2021 events.
RELATED: NAACP in Crittenden County urges Gov. Asa Hutchinson for COVID-19 relief for NE Arkansas counties
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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.