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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3,314 new cases & 8 new deaths in TN; nearly 37,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 3,314 new COVID-19 cases and 8 new deaths, for a total of 65,274 cases and 749 deaths in the state.
There are 3,284 hospitalizations, and 36,996 have recovered. 1,053,424 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.
(KTHV) - On Saturday, July 11, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed 1,061 new coronavirus cases in the state within 24 hours, bringing the biggest single day increase since the start of the pandemic in Arkansas.
Governor Hutchinson said the record high number of cases is concerning and could be a result of July 4th celebrations.
Last week, Gov. Hutchinson also announced schools will return this fall, but will return at a later date. The start date of school will be the week of August 24, but no later than August 26.
Key facts to know:
- 28,939 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,510 active cases
- 323 reported deaths
- 439 hospitalizations
- 82 on ventilators
- 22,106 recoveries
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393 new cases and 1 new death in MS; 50 new cases in Desoto County
12:15 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 393 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new deaths, for a total of 36,680 cases and 1,250 deaths in the state.
Desoto County reports 50 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 2,009 cases and 20 deaths in the county.
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MATA says 8th employee tests positive for COVID-19
10:005 a.m. - MATA says an eighth employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
The company says the MATAplus dispatcher was last at work July 8th.
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153 new cases & 1 new death in Shelby County; more than 9,100 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 153 new COVID 19 cases and 1 new death, for a total of 13,855 cases and 222 deaths in the county.
There are 4,487 active cases and 9,146 recoveries reported in Shelby County.
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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Monday
Here are the locations for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry for Monday.
- Memphis, Mt. Pisgah, 3636 Weaver Rd 38109, 10 a.m.
- Coahoma Cty, MS- 1150 Wildcat Dr. Clarksdale 38614, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- 295 E. Francisco Holly Springs 38635, DIST. 10 a.m.-Noon or first 300 families. Marshall County residents only. Must pre-register by calling 662-342-3180. Bring driver’s license; no more than 2 households per vehicle.
- Lafayette Cty, MS- 70 F. D. Buddy E. Oxford 38655, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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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.