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
July 24: Shelby County Health Department issues new directive
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Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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2,091 new cases & 13 new deaths in TN; nearly 53,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,091 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths, for a total of 89,078 cases and 938 deaths in the state.
There are 4,120 hospitalizations, and 52,983 recoveries. 1,321,707 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) - Last week, Gov. Hutchinson announced a state-wide mandate for the state of Arkansas. The mask mandate will take effect on Monday, July 20.
The governor said this decision came after conversations with those on the front-lines and legislators. He said that the fight against COVID-19 will likely get harder, not easier, and this is a way to enlist everyone in the fight.
The state unemployment rate decreased from 9.6% in May to 8% in June. The national rate is 11.1%.
Key facts to know:
- 36,259 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 7,009 active cases as of July 23
- 386 reported deaths as of July 23
- 480 hospitalizations
- 107 on ventilators
- 28,864 recoveries as of July 23
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1,610 new cases & 23 new deaths in MS; 78 new cases in Desoto County
12:00 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,610 new COVID-19 cases and 28 new deaths, for a total of 49,663 cases and 1,463 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 78 new cases and no new deaths.
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REMINDER: Free COVID-19 Testing Saturday at Landers Center
- WHAT: COVID-19 Drive-through Testing
- WHEN: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- WHERE: Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven
(NEWS RELEASE) - The Mississippi Health Department and University of Mississippi Medical Center will hold free drive-through COVID-19 Testing Saturday, July 25 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Testing is by appointment only from 10am-2pm.
Testing is available for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat; or who has a known or potential exposure to someone confirmed with the virus. Screenings for appointments have moved online.
Those requesting a test now must complete a questionnaire at umc.edu/covidscreening. They can also call UMMC at (601) 496-7200 from 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday. DeSoto County is not conducting the testing - but is supporting the state and UMMC at the site.
The Mississippi State Department of Health’s most recent numbers show a total of 2663 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths in Desoto County.
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374 new cases & 3 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 12,819 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 374 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 18,058 cases and 259 deaths in the county.
12,819 have recovered in the county. 183,183 have been tested in the county.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris released THIS update Friday.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Friday
10:00 a.m. - Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 7981 Summer Ave., 38133
10:00 a.m. - Memphis, Ridgegrove Church of Christ, 2631 Hawkins Mill Rd., 38127
10:00 a.m. - Marshall Cty, MS- Hopewell II, 249 Hwy 313 E. Holly Springs 38635
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Benton Cty, MS- 17136 Hwy 5, Ashland, 38603
RELATED: Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Breaking down the latest COVID-19 data in the Mid-South
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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.