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 21st
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1,669 new cases & 61 new deaths in TN; more than 102,600 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,669 new COVID-19 cases and 61 new deaths, for a total of 140,844 cases and 1,549 deaths in the state.
There have been 6,255 hospitalizations and 102,686 recoveries. 1,978,409 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:
- 55,652 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,854 active cases
- 663 reported deaths
- 509 hospitalizations
- 120 on ventilators
- 49,135 recoveries
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874 cases & 24 new deaths in MS; 42 new cases in Desoto County
12:15 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 874 new cases and 24 new deaths, for a total of 76,323 new cases and 2,214 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 42 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 4,185 cases and 37 deaths in the county.
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Free COVID-19 testing next week for Mississippi teachers & school staff
11:15 a.m. - Free COVID-19 testing available next week for Mississippi teachers and school staff. Learn more HERE.
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147 new cases & 6 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 22,200 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 147 new COVID-19 cases and 6 new deaths, for a total of 25,811 cases and 346 deaths in the county.
There have been 22,204 recoveries.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantry locations for Friday and Saturday
Fri., Aug. 21
- Crittenden Cty, AR- Good Neighbor, 101 S. 13th St. W. Memphis 72303, 10 a.m.- Noon
- Panola Cty, MS- Crenshaw Baptist Church, 235 Missouri Ave. Crenshaw 38261, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, MPD, 2466 Peres Ave. 38108 (corner of Hollywood and Peres behind the Holywood library), 10 a.m. Kid Friendly
- Union Cty, MS- New Albany Seventh Day Adventist Church, 507 Oak St. New Albany 38652, 10 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 22
- Memphis, Memphis Dawah Association, 837 Craft Rd. 38116, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Salem, 2237 S. Parkway E. 38114, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, The Life Church, 3683 Austin Peay 38128, 10 a.m. Pre-register link: https://thelifechurch.brushfire.com/make-room-2020/466190
- Memphis, 3680 Castleman St. 38118, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, Washington Chapel CME Church, 68 East Mitchell Rd. 38109, 8 a.m.
- Memphis, Mt. Moriah East Housing, 1248 Haynes 38114, 9:30 a.m. Please do not arrive before 8 a.m.
- Memphis, Christian Life Tabernacle, 9375 Davies Plantation Rd., Bartlett 38133, 9 a.m.
- Memphis, Faith Heritage, 3802 Graggs 38108, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
- DeSoto Cty, MS- Northwest Church of Christ, 1483 Brookhaven Dr., Southaven 38671, 9:30 a.m.
- DeSoto Cty, MS- New Hope MB Church, 1407 Church Rd., Southaven 38671, 9 a.m.
- Lee Cty, MS- A Serving Heart - Anchor Church, 278 College Ave., Verona 38879, 11 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- Redeemed Fellowship, 525 JM Ash Drive, Holly Springs 38635, 10 a.m.
- Marshall Cty, MS- 704 Govan, Holly Springs 38635, 9 a.m.
- Coahoma Cty, MS- Pass It On, 203 Church, Clarksdale 38614, 9 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.