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
A look at COVID-19 numbers in Memphis and Shelby County for August 19th
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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2,022 new cases & 26 deaths in TN; more than 99,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,022 new COVID-19 cases and 26 new deaths, for a total of 137,800 cases and 1,452 deaths in the state.
There have been 6,069 hospitalizations, 99,085 recoveries, and 1,926,357 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.
Key facts to know:
- 54,216 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,919 active cases
- 631 reported deaths
- 499 hospitalizations
- 122 on ventilators
- 46,970 recoveries
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1,348 new cases & 34 new deaths in MS; 96 new cases & 1 new death in Desoto County
12:20 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,348 new COVID-19 cases and 34 new deaths in the state, for a total of 74,555 cases and 2,163 deaths.
Desoto County has 96 new cases and one new death, for a total of 4,079 new cases and 35 deaths in the county.
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143 new cases & 5 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 21,500 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 143 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 25,507 cases and 339 deaths in the county.
There have been 21,581 recoveries.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry location for Wednesday
- Memphis, Eastside Comm. Church, 1503 Colonial Rd. 38117, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union 38104, 9 a.m.
- Lafayette Cty, MS- St. Peter's, 70 F.D. Buddy E. Pkwy Oxford 38652, 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.