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
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland's Saturday COVID-19 update
2:40 p.m. - If someone asked you the question a month ago, “Are you practicing social distancing?”, would you have had any idea what they were talking about. Now, it’s in everyone’s vocabulary and constantly on the brain.
Below is a pretty good graph that demonstrates clearly why it is so important to slowing the spread of the virus. As you look at it, keep in mind that outdoor activities are great and even doctor recommended—as long as you’re maintaining social distancing.
What you can do to help?
If you want help those affected by making a contribution, you can donate to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will provide flexible funding to organizations working with community members who have been impacted by novel Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.
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Tennessee now has 1,373 confirmed cases of COVID-19
2:30 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,373 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, including six deaths and 118 hospitalizations. Questions? Call (833) 556-2476. For more information, click here.
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Arkansas now has 404 confirmed COVID-19 cases in state
Key facts to know:
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Southaven Mayor issues "Stay-Away Order"
11:30 a.m. - Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite has issued a Stay-Away Order, which you can read here. Mayor Musslewhite said in a tweet Saturday, stay calm, stay positive; stay home as much as you can and stay smart, as he issues a "Stay-Away Order".
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Arkansas now has 388 confirmed COVID-19 cases in state
As of 11:20 a.m., the Arkansas Department of Health confirms 388 COVID-19 cases throughout the state.
There are 12 confirmed cases in Crittenden County. 14 negative tests.
Friday, Dr. Nate Smith confirmed the third death due to COVID-19 in Arkansas. The person who passed away was in their 70s.
Gov. Hutchinson says there will be additional pay to support nurses in rural Arkansas cities. Nurses will receive $1,000 per month and $2,000 per month for nurses that care for COVID-19 patients.
The Arkansas Department of Health is recommending people to self quarantine at home for 14 days if they recently traveled from New York and all international locations.
Key facts to know:
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DeSoto County now has 1 COVID-19 death; 633 cases in state
MSDH is reporting 84 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with five new deaths throughout the state.
Mississippi's total number of coronavirus cases is now 663, with 13 deaths.
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10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 28 - The first death from COVID-19 has been confirmed in Shelby County. There are now 275 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County and 1,203 confirmed across the State of Tennessee according to The Shelby County Health Department's website.
According to SCHD, 2,773 have been tested in Shelby County.
There are 10 confirmed cases in Tipton County.
There have been 6 deaths in Tennessee, with 103 hospitalized in the state.
RELATED: 3 more bus routes added by MATA
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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.