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 July 31st
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More than 3,000 new cases and 27 new deaths in TN; more than 66,300 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 3,088 new COVID-19 cases and 27 new deaths, for a total of 105,959 cases and 1,060 deaths in the state.
There have been 4,661 hospitalizations, and 66,357 have recovered. 1,512,224 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:
- 42,511 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,645 active cases
- 453 reported deaths
- 507 hospitalizations as of July 31
- 100 on ventilators as of July 31
- 35,413 recoveries
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1,168 new cases & 52 new deaths in MS; 51 new cases in Desoto County
12:10 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,168 new COVID-19 cases and 52 new deaths, for a total of 58,747 cases and 1,663 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 51 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 3,113 cases and 26 deaths in the county.
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415 new cases & 2 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 15,300 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 415 new COVID-19 cases and two new deaths, for a total of 20,797 cases and 275 deaths in the county.
15,346 have recovered in Shelby County.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Friday & Saturday
6:45 a.m.:
Fri., July 31
- Memphis, St. Patrick, 277 S. 4th St., 38126, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, The Healing Center, 3885 Tchulahoma, 38118, 10 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- Finley Grove, 2250 Hwy 7 N. Holly Springs, 38635, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sat., Aug 1
- Memphis, The Time is Now Douglass , 3299 Omar Robinson, 38108, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Ave., 38126, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Middle Baptist Church, 801 Whitehaven Ln., 38116, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Links to Success, 2216 Clifton Ave., 38127, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, College Park Apts., 838 Walker Ave., 38126, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, St. Vincent DePaul Society, 5475 Newberry, 38115, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Memphis Dawah Association, 837 Craft Rd., 38116, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Iglesia Nueva Vida, 4945 Winchester Rd., 38118, 9 a.m.
- Crittenden Cty, AR- Marion Church of God in Christ, 129 Powell St., Marion 72364, 9 a.m.
- Coahoma Cty, MS- Friendship AME Church, 1051 Walnut st., Clarksdale, 38614, 11 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.