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 1st
Shelby County Sheriff releases inspector's conclusion to COVID-19 investigation at 201 Poplar
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WATCH: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gives update on COVID-19 in the state
3:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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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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1,806 new cases & 5 new deaths in TN; more than 28,200 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,806 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 45,315 cases and 609 deaths in the state.
There are 2,715 hospitalizations, and 28,283 have recovered. 817,522 have been tested in the state.
(In the original data release, TDH reported 12 new deaths. That was then corrected to 5 new deaths.)
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Walgreens confirms midtown Memphis store was temporarily closed after COVID-19 exposure
1:45 p.m. - Walgreens released the following statement to Local 24 News.
"Walgreens champions the health and wellbeing of every community in America, and we are committed to providing a safe environment for our team members and customers.
Walgreens was recently notified that a team member who works in our store located at Union Ave. and McLean Blvd. in Memphis has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
When notified of a confirmed or presumed positive COVID-19 case, we take actions meeting or exceeding recommendations from the CDC, OSHA, public health officials and other credible sources while following federal, state and local health advisories. Our clinical and safety teams work closely with our field and store leadership to respond accordingly, which may include identifying and contacting individuals who may be at risk in order to self-quarantine or self-monitor their health, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the location or impacted areas of the store.
The cleaning required a temporary closing of the store, which resumed regular operating hours yesterday."
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - Since the beginning of Phase Two, Arkansas saw a total of 7,317 new coronavirus cases.
In a press conference on June 25, Gov. Hutchinson said there is currently a pause on reopenings in Arkansas.The statement comes after a reference to the governor of Texas "rolling back" on reopenings and some elective surgeries.
Hutchinson has also issued a new guidance on face masks in the state, but has yet to make it a requirement to wear them in public settings.
Key facts to know:
- 21,197 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,757 active cases
- 277 reported deaths
- 275 hospitalizations
- 72 on ventilators
- 15,163 recoveries
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653 new cases & 9 new deaths in Mississippi; 62 new cases & 1 new death in Desoto County
11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 653 new COVID-19 cases and 9 new deaths, one of which is in Desoto County. There are now a total of 27,900 cases and 1,082 deaths in the state.
Desoto County reports 62 new cases and the one new death, for a total of 1,373 cases and 16 deaths in the county.
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304 new cases & 7 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 6,700 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 304 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 10,208 cases and 192 deaths in the county.
6,745 have recovered. 128,832 have been tested in the county.
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What do you think about wearing face masks?
The Shelby County Health Department wants to know what you think about wearing face masks to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
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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.