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
The Shelby County Health Department reports 405 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new death Sunday.
Health officials say there is now a total of 11,829 confirmed cases and 198 related deaths in Shelby County.
140,973 have been tested for the coronavirus in the county. 7,330 have recovered.
As the holiday weekend continues, the TN Department of Health reports 51,341 confirmed cases and 646 deaths in the state Sunday.
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In Mississippi health officials reported 226 new cases and 5 new deaths in the state.
Since the start of the pandemic, the state reports 30,674 confirmed cases and 1,107 related deaths.
DeSoto County health authorities report a total of 1,572 confirmed cases.
For a full breakdown of the COVID-19 cases in the state, click here.
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Arkansas Department of Health reports a total of 23,209 cases and 286 deaths in the state.
There are 6,125 active cases as of Sunday. 16,726 have recovered.
Crittenden County officials report a total of 766 cases.
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
