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
Arkansas releases 300 inmates early as virus precaution
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas prison officials say 300 inmates have been released early from prison as a safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dexter Payne, head of Arkansas’ correction division, said Thursday during court testimony that there will be additional releases once inmates are screened and cleared by the Parole Board.
A spokesman for the prison system told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the releases came after Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s April 20 directive to consider the early release of inmates imprisoned for nonviolent and nonsexual crimes.
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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(MS GOV'S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE) - Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced additional social distancing measures for seven counties identified as hotspots within our state to limit transmission around the communities and protect the health of all Mississippians.
Consulting with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and other state health officials, seven counties were identified as localized regions at a higher risk for transmission: Attala, Leake, Scott, Jasper, Neshoba, Newton, and Lauderdale Counties.
Governor Reeves signed a new executive order today establishing additional restrictions for those seven counties to slow the spread of COVID-19. This follows the state's "Identify and Isolate" strategy to implement surgical measures while continuing to flatten the curve.
"I hope that these rules will have an impact, but I also hope that they will serve as a signal to people in these counties. We cannot always see and feel the consequences, but the disease is more active there. You need to be even more aware—stay even more sharp," said Governor Tate Reeves.
The Governor made the announcement during today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here.
In Executive Order No. 1483, the Governor lays out targeted guidelines for social distancing and sanitation protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 within the seven counties, including:
For all businesses:
- All businesses are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing and encouraging sick employees to stay home.
- All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
- Based on their duties and responsibilities, employees who are unable to maintain at least 6 feet distance from others must wear a face covering throughout their shift, such as a face mask. Their face coverings must be cleaned or replaced daily.
- Hand sanitizer must be provided to all employees, which can include a hand rub or soap.
For retail businesses (in addition to measures above):
- Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are required to wear that face covering throughout their shift and clean or replace daily.
- All customers must wear a face covering while inside the retail business.
- Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances, in or near bathrooms, and at cashier stations.
- Retail businesses are expected to make all efforts to maintain a 6-foot distance between customers at all times.
- Carts, baskets, and other similar surfaces touched by customers must be sanitized after each use. Other high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.
For people out in public:
- Everyone must wear face coverings when attending outdoor public events, such as live auctions or flea markets.
- People must maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others.
You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1483 here.
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Tennessee reports 567 new cases & 13 new deaths (16,110 cases/264 deaths total)
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 566 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths in the state. 8,336 have recovered in total.
The latest numbers bring the total number of cases to 16,110 and the total deaths to 264 in the state. (Correction from TN Dept. of Health: "Soon after today's 2 p.m. case count update, it was determined one death reported in Hamilton County was not a Tennessee resident. All graphics have been updated to reflect the decrease by 1. Confirmed deaths for May 12 is 264.")
There are 1,363 hospitalizations, and 283,924 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) - As of Tuesday, May 12, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed a total of 4,164 positive cases.
On Monday, Gov. Hutchinson provided a COVID-19 update in El Dorado, Arkansas because of last week's announcement of Murphy Oil relocating to Houston.
As the state remains in Phase One, several businesses have been allowed to reopen. Barbershops, salons, and gyms are among those. Public pools, splash pads, water parks, and swim beaches will be allowed to open on May 22.
Key facts to know:
- 4,164 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 69,008 total tests
- 64,996 negative test results
- 95 reported deaths
- 3,220 recoveries
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - COVID-19 Joint Task Force update with Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Director, Shelby County Health Department.
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2020 Mid-South Airshow canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak
11:20 a.m. - (NEWS RELEASE) - Due to the COVID-19 concerns and safety of the public, the 2020 Midsouth Airshow scheduled to take place June 20-21 has been cancelled in attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The decision is in step with community, state and federal guidance of suspending or canceling events with large gatherings, aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Refunds will be provided for those who have already bought tickets for the event. Refunds may take seven to ten business days to be processed.
We are saddened that we have to cancel our favorite event of the year, but want to reiterate that safety is our number one priority and while we understand this news is disappointing to our air show fans, sponsors and supporters, we understand it is the right thing to do.
We want to thank all our sponsors and volunteers for all the hard work that was put into the planning of this incredible event and look forward to the next Midsouth Airshow.
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Mississippi reports 234 new cases/22 new deaths (9,908 cases/457 deaths total); Desoto County reports 10 new cases
11:10 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 234 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 22 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 9,908, with 457 deaths.
Desoto County reports 10 new cases and no new deaths. There have been 346 total cases and 5 deaths there.
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Shelby County reports 106 new cases/3 new deaths (3,421 cases/72 deaths total); 1,959 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 106 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths. 1,959 total have recovered.
There has been a total of 3,421 cases and 72 deaths in the county.
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Tennessee Air National Guard to honor healthcare workers Tuesday with flyovers across the state
Tennessee airmen will be giving a special flyover salute to healthcare today.
C-17 and KC-135 aircraft from the Tennessee Air National Guard will salute the state's medical professionals and first responders during a statewide flyover. The flyover, which is part of normal flight crew training and maintaining pilot proficiency, will coincide with National Nurses Week which ends May 12.
Aircraft from the 164th Airlift Wing (C-17) in Memphis and the 134th Air Refueling Wing (KC-135) in Knoxville will fly over dozens of hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state.
The full list of flyover locations and approximate times are on the map below.
"We are incredibly grateful to the men and women serving our state in the healthcare field. This flyover is a small token of our appreciation," said Col. Jason Glass, Assistant Adjutant General, Tennessee Air National Guard. "When you look to the skies on Tuesday, remember to say thank you to the Tennesseans all across our state who are working to protect us from this virus."
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Church Health and Mid-South Food Bank partnership to provide food for patients tested for Covid-19
7:30 a.m. - Mid-South Food Bank and Church Health have partnered to provide fresh produce and shelf-stable food to those tested for COVID-19 at Church Health's Crosstown Concourse location.
The food will be distributed today from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1350 Concourse Ave.
The food provides nourishment to individuals and families during isolation while waiting for test results or during quarantine in case of a positive test result.
Church Health offers COVID-19 testing at no cost Tuesday – Thursday at the location at Crosstown Concourse, in addition to drive-up events in high-need areas throughout the city. Church Health and the University of Tennessee University Health Science Center offer limited transportation through MATA for those who do not have a vehicle, which is arranged when the appointment is scheduled.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for May 12, 2020
- Haywood Cty, TN- Brownsville Baptist 5 N. Wilson 38017, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Street Ministries 430 Vance 38126, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Friendship MBC 1957 Alcy 38114, 10 a.m.
- Panola Cty, MS- Cistern Hill MB Church 16786 Hwy 310 in Como 38619, noon
- Memphis, For the Kingdom 4100 Raleigh-Millington Rd. 38128, 11 a.m.
- Memphis, Red Zone 2590 Park 38114, 10 a.m.
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Over 4,000 positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas
(KTHV) - As of Monday, May 11, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed a total of 4,043 positive cases.
Gov. Hutchinson is allowing the resumption of in-person dining with proper social distancing guidelines and much lower seating capacity on Monday, May 11.
As the state remains in Phase One, several businesses have been allowed to reopen. Barbershops, salons, and gyms are among those. Public pools, splash pads, water parks, and swim beaches will be allowed to open on May 22.
Key facts to know:
- 4,043 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 69,008 total tests
- 64,996 negative test results
- 94 reported deaths
- 3,149 recoveries
Cases in Arkansas' Mid-South counties:
- Crittenden County has 210 cases; 7 deaths
- Cross County has 29 cases
- Lee County has 5 cases; 1 death
- Mississippi County has 52 cases
- Monroe County has 5 cases
- Phillips County has 4 cases; 1 death
- Poinsett County has 25 cases; 2 deaths
- St. Francis County has 279 cases
Watch Gov. Hutchinson's Monday briefing 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.