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
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Shelby County commissioner says she'll suggest returning to Phase One Monday, as health officials announced the largest increase of COVID-19 cases in a single day.
Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer sent Local 24 News this statement in regards to her tweet:
"The numbers we are seeing show we have moved too fast. Back to business can’t be at the expense of people’s health. I will be asking Dr. Haushalter & Mayor Harris about the feasibility of returning to phase 1. If feasible, I will request that we make that call. If we aren’t returning to phase 1, what additional policy and protections will the county put in place immediately and how can the commission support the crisis we seem to be in the midst of as daily numbers are doubled and almost tripled. We have to act urgently and put PEOPLE, not businesses first."
As of 10:00 a.m. health officials announced there were 385 new cases and 1 death in the county.
The department says, Shelby County totaled 7,840 confirmed cases and 153 related deaths.
City officials and the health department continue to push for free COVID-19 testing across the county. So far, 106,993 have been tested for the coronavirus.
As of Friday afternoon, the Tennessee Department of Health announced a confirmed total of 34,017 cases and 515 related deaths in the state.
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.
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