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
Mississippi reports 169 new cases, 11 new deaths
1:40 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 169 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with 11 new deaths. The total of coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 3,793, with 140 deaths.
There are 213 total confirmed cases in Desoto County, with 3 deaths, and one outbreak at a long-term care facility.
There are 39 confirmed cases in Lafayette County, with 2 deaths, and one outbreak at a long-term care facility.
There are 27 cases in Panola County with 2 deaths.
There are also 27 cases in Tate County.
Tippah County has 45 confirmed cases, 6 deaths, and one outbreak at a long-term care facility.
Tunica County has 28 confirmed cases, 1 death and one outbreak at t long-term care facility.
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Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 response in the state
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Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Joint Task Force Update
12:00 p.m. - The COVID-19 Joint Task Force update Mayor Jim Strickland and the Shelby County Health Department.
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The Village at Germantown reports three deaths of skilled nursing residents
Administrators of The Village at Germantown retirement community have informed Tennessee and Shelby County public health officials that three residents, who tested positive for COVID-19, have died.
Two of the three died in the hospital. All had been in and out of hospitals or other healthcare facilities in recent weeks or had serious underlying health conditions.
Two other positive-testing residents remain hospitalized and four employees who have tested positive are off their jobs and in isolation at their homes.
So far there are no positive tests among residents or employees of The Village’s Long-Term Care, Memory Care, Assisted-Living or Independent Living areas.
In discussions with state and local health department officials, both agencies have acknowledged that the on-site staff at The Village has responded appropriately and had already implemented all applicable precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within the community.
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Shelby County reports 108 new confirmed cases & 3 additional deaths
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports there are now 1,616 confirmed cases in the county, and 35 deaths.
17,053 people have been tested in the county.
6,262 total cases in Tennessee.
The Shelby County Health Department is investigating clusters of infection in a number of facilities that serve vulnerable populations.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves extends shelter-in-place
Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th.
“I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves.
The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially.
First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing.
“It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves.
Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales.
“Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves.
The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus.
“No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves.
The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi.
“Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves.
The text of the executive order is here. The signed, sealed copy will be available on sos.ms.gov later today.
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Mid-South Food Bank April 17 Mobile Pantries
- Neighborhood Christian Centers, 4738 Walnut Grove 9 a.m. Pre-register
- Dwelling Place 3034 Austin Peay 10 a.m.
- Healing Center 3885 Tchulahoma 10 a.m.
- Inglesia Nueva Direccion 3097 Knight 10 a.m.
- Shady Grove Presbyterian Church 5530 Shady Grove 10 a.m.
- Our Hands to Yours, 2818 Midland Ave. 10 a.m.
- Marshall County, MS- 3877 Cayce Rd. in Byhalia 10 a.m.
- Alcorn County, MS- 313 Pinecrest in Corinth 10 a.m.
- DeSoto County, MS- New Hope 1407 Church in Southaven 10 a.m.
- Crittenden County, AR- 111 13th St. in W. Mphs 10 a.m.
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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.