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Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Shelby County Sheriff's Office says all detainees at jail with COVID-19 have recovered

With more news coming in every hour about the coronavirus, this post will update you with the latest you need to know.

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

Shelby County Sheriff's Office says all detainees at jail with COVID-19 have recovered

3:55 p.m. - The Shelby County Sheriff's Office says all detainees who tested positive for coronavirus in the Shelby County Jail have recovered.  

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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state

2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.

LIVE: Governor Tate Reeves COVID-19 Response

We are adding Wayne County to the list of those with greater restrictions. It is among the most dangerous places in the state for spread of COVID-19 today. We are also sharing more information on Back to Business grants for small businesses, and answering questions in today’s daily briefing.

Posted by Tate Reeves on Friday, May 29, 2020

(NEWS RELEASE) - Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced the launch of the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website to help small businesses receive financial support quickly to recover from the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19.

Since establishing the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program just over a week ago, Governor Reeves has been working with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to administer the grants to small businesses as quickly as possible.

"We are working to quickly get out funds from the CARES Act to small businesses. We are launching a website today: backtobusinessms.org which outlines eligibility requirements and paperwork to compile to get access to this grant program," said Governor Tate Reeves at the press briefing. "The team at MDA is reviewing the competitive bids to administer these funds—those were due today—and should have all the details out by the evening. Then they can put out the application as soon as next week if all goes according to plans."

To jumpstart the process of businesses preparing their applications, backtobusinessms.org was launched to outline eligibility requirements and necessary paperwork to compile until the applications go live. Features of the website include email signup to receive notifications when applications are open and a FAQ section as well.

Businesses in Mississippi with 50 or fewer employees will be able to apply to the grant program for help recovering from the pandemic, including operating expenses and salaries.

Governor Reeves also announced the additional social distancing measures implemented to limit transmission in counties identified at a higher risk will be extended until June 8.

"We continue to see more and more cases across the state, and it is a reminder that this is not over. A flat curve does not mean a community free of transmission—it means we are spreading it out over more time. The risk is still very real. Today, I am extending the executive order that puts stricter health rules in place for counties with the greatest risk," said Governor Reeves.

Consulting with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and our state health experts, Governor Reeves issued a new executive order extending the social distancing guidelines until Monday, June 8 at 8:00 AM for Holmes, Jasper, Neshoba, and Lauderdale Counties, which remain at an increased risk for transmission within their communities. Wayne County has also been identified as a region at higher risk for transmission and is now under the same additional restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Having seen a positive impact under these additional guidelines, Attala, Leake, Scott, and Newton Counties are now at lower rates of transmission and can relax these social distancing measures.

Governor Reeves announced the grant program website and latest executive order at his daily press briefing today, which you can view live on our Facebook page here.

You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1493 here. A signed version of the executive order will be available on our website at governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19/.

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406 new cases & 4 new deaths in TN (22,085 cases/360 deaths total); nearly 15,000 recoveries

2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 406 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new deaths in the state, for a total of 22,085 cases and 360 deaths.

There are 1,710 hospitalizations and 14,965 recoveries. 421,967 have been tested.

Find the full breakdown from the Tennessee Department of Health HERE.

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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state

1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.

(KTHV) - As of Friday, May 29, Arkansas officials reported 239 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 6,777 positive cases in the state.

The Arkansas Department of Health will host a series of drive-thru COVID-19 testing events at locations across the state, beginning Friday, May 29.

There will be no out-of-pocket cost for the tests, and tests will be offered to anyone who wants to be tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Insurance is not required.

The schedule:

  • Friday, May 29, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Dardanelle – Yell County Health Unit, 719 N. 5th St.
  • Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • West Memphis – Lehr Arena, 501 W. Broadway
    • Pine Bluff – UAPB, Simmons Bank Field, 1200 N. University Dr.
    • DeQueen – Fire Department, 220 North 2nd St.
  • Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Jonesboro – Craighead County Health Unit, 611 E. Washington Ave.
    • Wrightsville – City Hall, 13024 Arkansas 365-South
    • El Dorado – Union County Fairgrounds, 1430 E. 19th St.

Tests are also available at Local Health Units across the state. Patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance at those facilities. Details on units that are open and offering tests can be found by clicking here.

Key facts to know:

  • 6,777 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
  • 1,830 active cases
  • 132 reported deaths
  • 108 hospitalizations
  • 4,583 recoveries

Find the full breakdown from the Arkansas Department of Health HERE.

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418 new cases & 17 new deaths in MS (14,710 cases/710 deaths total); Desoto County has 17 new cases & 1 new death

11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 418 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 17 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 14,710, with 710 deaths.  

Desoto County reports 17 new cases and one new death, for a total of 520 cases and 7 deaths in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Mississippi State Department of Health HERE.

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New Guidance for Tennessee Department of Human Services offices

(NEWS RELEASE) - The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is implementing new COVID-19 precautions for all visitors entering office lobbies across the state. These rules will impact customers coming into state offices for scheduled in-person appointments beginning Monday, June 1, 2020. 

The new guidelines include:  

  • Arriving alone to drop-off or pick-up documents or take part in scheduled in-person appointments.   
  • Wearing a mask or cloth face covering. 
  • Answering COVID-19 health screening questions and passing a temperature check. 
  • Maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others. 
  • Not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. 

Since late March, TDHS offices have been open to customers on an appointment-only basis and this policy will continue to be in effect. Additionally, some interview requirements have been temporarily waived for individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Customers filing initial applications and recertifications are not required to visit an office provided their identity has been verified and all other mandatory verifications have been completed.  

These temporary changes to office visit requirements have been necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing TDHS to begin implementing modernization of the department’s services. These changes will encourage customers to access assistance online or at lobby kiosks and, over time, reduce the need for office visits. 

“We are transforming the way the department provides services so that Tennesseans can access the help they need from home or with as little time in the office as necessary,” said TDHS Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “These moves will help make us more efficient and easier to work with and provide a better experience for the families we serve.”  

These TDHS services are always available online: 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. Apply for services online https://faonlineapp.dhs.tn.gov/

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Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris releases statement on COVID-19 in corrections facilities

10:40 a.m. - (STATEMENT) - The protection of prisoners and other vulnerable populations is one of our top priorities and we have to be aggressive. A verse from Matthew reads: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” We will not forget that last part.

Amid the current public health emergency, we have taken a number of steps to provide a safe environment for inmates at our Corrections facilities, a/k/a the penal farm. In order to keep inmates safe, they are given masks regularly and replacement masks upon request. We have also doubled the amount of hygiene supplies provided. Lastly, we conduct daily screening and temperature checks for anyone entering the facility and access is limited. We will keep these protections in place for the rest of the year or longer if needed.

Furthermore, we want to continue to provide real-time, accurate COVID-19 related data on our inmate population. You can find that information, along with other Shelby County COVID-19 data, on our public data portal at data.shelbycountytn.gov.

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90 new cases & 3 new deaths in Shelby County (4,793 cases/108 deaths total); more than 3,300 recoveries

10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 90 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 4,793 cases and 108 deaths in the county.

3,378 have recovered in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Shelby County Health Department HERE.

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Tennessee Unified Command releases new report on COVID-10 testing in long-term care facilities

8:15 a.m. - Gov. Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group released a new report on the state’s efforts to protect long-term care facility residents from the spread of COVID-19. The full report can be found in the attached pdf and online here.

With long-term care residents making up nearly 40 percent of all COVID-19-related deaths in Tennessee, Gov. Lee and the Unified Command have implemented a response to require all long-term care residents and staff to receive COVID-19 testing. Under new rules from the Department of Health, each nursing home must complete an “intent to test” survey as provided for by the Department prior to June 1, 2020, and all nursing home residents and staff must be tested by June 30, 2020. 

Failure to comply will be considered a serious deficiency, and the Department may seek any remedy including but not limited to, license revocation, license suspension, and the imposition of civil monetary penalties. More details are in the attached report.

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Tristate Community Health Center offering free COVID-19 testing on Friday

FREE TESTING WITH AN APPOINTMENT OR WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT.

When: FRIDAY May 29, 2020

  • Time: 9am-1pm
  • Where: 1725 Pinebrook Dr., Memphis, Tn 38116
  • Where: 4041 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, Tn. 38118 

FOR APPOINTMENT TEXT: COV2019 to 91999 

FOR APPOINTMENT CALL: (901) 572-1573

Monday 9am-5pm

Tuesday 9am-7pm

Wednesday 9am-7pm

Thursday 9am-5pm 

Friday 9am- 1pm

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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30

Fri, May 29

  • Memphis, St. Andrew AME 1472 Mississippi Blvd 38106, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, School Seed "Kid Friendly", 320 Joubert 38109, 4 p.m.
  • Memphis, Bare Needs Diaper Bank Diaper Distribution, 2555 St. Elmo, 38127, 10 a.m. 
  • Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 4945 Winchester 38118, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, New Sardis MBC, 7739 E. Holmes Rd. 38125, 10 a.m.
  • Union Cty, MS- New Albany 7th Day Adventist, 507 Oak St. 38652 in New Albany, 10 a.m.

Sat., May 30

  • Crittenden Cty, AR- Hope House, 653 Hwy 7 in West Memphis, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis- Love Fellowship Ministries 4475 S. Germantown 38125, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis- Camp Chambers-Thomas Chapel 2539 New Raleigh Rd. 38128, 10 a.m.
  • Alcorn Cty, MS- Church of the Crossroad 2037 Hwy 72 in Corinth 38834, 9 a.m.
  • Tunica Cty, MS- National Baptist Convention 3873 US Hwy 61 in Tunica 38676, 10 a.m.
  • Shelby Cty, TN- Christian Life Tabernacle 9375 Davies Plantation in Bartlett 38113, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, Monumental Love, 2639 Lamar 38114, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, Lindenwood Christian Church, 2400 Union 38113, 9 a.m. No entrance at 2400 - follow signs to back entrance or see MAP
  • Memphis, Pentacostal Temple 229 Danny Thomas 38126, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, Inspire Church, 3364 S. Third St. 38109, 9:30 a.m.
  • Memphis, Faith Heritage 3802 Graggs 38108, Noon
  • Memphis, Oak Grove MBC, 7289 Hwy 64/Stage Rd 38133, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, New Salem 2237 Parkway 38114, 10 a.m.
  • Memphis, World Redeemers Outreach 2200 Lamar 38114, 10:30 a.m.  
  • Memphis, Mt. Moriah East Housing, 1248 Haynes 38114, 1:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 8 a.m.

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Church Health hosts FREE COVID-19 testing Friday in Grahamwood

Church Health and St. Michael Catholic Church will offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 3-7 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Michael's Church, located at 3863 Summer Ave. 

Testing is available to anyone, with or without symptoms.

Bilingual staff from Church Health will be on-site to facilitate testing. The Mid-South Food Bank will provide food to individuals who are tested and ensure they have adequate nourishment while waiting on test results and required to self-isolate and for those who test positive and must self-quarantine before they can return to work.   

Those wanting to be tested are encouraged to make an appointment by calling Church Health at 901-272-0003. An ID and contact information are required for participation.  

COVID-19 testing is FREE and open to the public in locations all over Shelby County. For the complete list of testing locations in Shelby County, click here.

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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.

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