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
1,036 new cases & 21 new deaths in TN; nearly 94,900 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,036 new COVID-19 cases and 21 new deaths, for a total of 134,744 cases and 1,387 deaths in the state.
There have been 5,881 hospitalizations, and 94,812 recoveries. 1,868,761 have been tested in the state.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives updates about Mississippi schools during this time.
2:30pm- Watch Here.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
Key facts to know:
- 52,665 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,494 active cases
- 599 reported deaths
- 486 hospitalizations
- 120 on ventilators
- 46,133 recoveries
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276 new cases & 11 new deaths in MS; 2 new cases & no new deaths in Desoto County
11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 276 new COVID-19 cases and 11 new deaths, for a total of 72,412 cases and 2,095 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 2 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 3,913 cases and 34 deaths in the county.
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229 new cases & 4 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 20,900 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 229 new COVID-19 cases and 4 new deaths, for a total of 25,275 cases and 328 deaths in the county.
There have been 20,942 recoveries in the county.
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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.