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
WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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724 new cases & 7 new deaths in TN; more than 31,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 724 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 52,155 cases and 653 deaths in the state.
There are 2,897 hospitalizations, and 31,020 have recovered. 904,237 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.
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357 new cases & 3 new deaths in MS; Desoto County has 26 new cases
11:40 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 357 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 31,257 cases and 1,114 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 26 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 1,620 cases and 16 deaths in the county.
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190 new cases & 2 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 7,500 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 190 new COVID-19 cases and 2 new deaths, for a total of 12,019 cases and 200 deaths in the county.
7,509 have recovered, and 142,416 have been tested in the county. There are 4,310 current active cases.
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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.