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
WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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1,251 new cases and 3 new deaths reported in Mississippi
12:50 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,251 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 43,889 cases and 1,358 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has a total of 2,394 cases and 20 deaths in the county.
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Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to host a mobile food pantry in Whitehaven
10:55 a.m. - On Saturday, July 25th, the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Mid-South Food Bank will be hosting a Mobile Food Drive at the Alpha Memphis Education Foundation (AMEF) Facility located at 4122 Barton Drive in Whitehaven from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Food boxes will be given to the residents in the 38116 and 38109 zip codes.
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304 new cases and 3 new deaths in Shelby County; 11,150 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 304 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths, for a total of 11,150 cases and 244 deaths in the county.
There are 11,150 recoveries, and 174,888 have been tested.
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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Monday
Here are the locations for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry for Monday, July 20.
- Memphis, New Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 693 Peebles, 38109, 10 a.m.
- Hardeman Cty, TN- Mt. Zion Hardeman, 760 McTizic Bolivar, 38008, 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.