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 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 that he is extending the social distancing measures under the Safe Return and county-specific executive orders to continue combating the rising cases of COVID-19 across the state.
Consulting daily with state health officials on measured strategies to limit transmission and reviewing the data of the spike in cases, the Governor has extended the social distancing measures until Monday, August 17 at 8:00 AM.
"We are throwing everything that we can at the hospital crisis in our state, and we are going to continue working to ensure the integrity of our health care system," said Governor Tate Reeves to today's press briefing. "I want to underscore again: even if you do not personally fear Coronavirus, the overwhelming of the system affects everybody. If you get in a car wreck, you don’t want to be treated in a tent like we saw in other parts of the country. You want to get the best possible care."
The Governor also announced that eight additional counties within our state had reached the hotspot threshold set by state health experts. Under Executive Order No. 1515, the following counties have been added to the county-specific executive orders with tighter social distancing measures going into effect on Monday, August 3 to help limit transmission: Carroll, Coahoma, Jones, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Pontotoc Counties.
You can view the text versions of the new executive orders here: Executive Order No. 1514, Executive Order No. 1515. 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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2,049 new cases & 13 new deaths in TN; more than 64,200 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,049 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths, for a total of 102,871 cases and 1,033 deaths in the state.
There are 4,572 hospitalizations, and 64,234 have recovered. 1,479,669 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.
Key facts to know:
- 41,559 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,580 active cases
- 442 reported deaths
- 504 hospitalizations as of July 29
- 101 on ventilators as of July 29
- 34,737 recoveries
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1,775 new cases & 48 new deaths in MS; 92 new cases and 1 new death in Desoto County
12:40 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,775 new COVID-19 cases and 48 new deaths, for a total of 57,579 cases and 1,611 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 92 new cases and one new death, for a total of 3,062 cases and 26 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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326 new cases & 5 new deaths in Shelby County; nearly 15,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 326 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 20,382 cases and 273 deaths in the county.
14,904 have recovered.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Thursday
6:20 a.m.:
- Memphis, New Hope Christian Church, 3300 Kirby Whitten Rd, Bartlett 38134, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Ave., 38119, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, New Direction, 6120 Winchester, 38115, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Memphis, Bert Ferguson Comm Ctr., 8505 Trinity Rd., Cordova 38018, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 1348 National, 38122, 10 a.m.
- Fayette Cty, TN- Central Point Apts., 210 Jackson St. 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.