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Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Breaking down the latest COVID-19 data in the Mid-South

With more news coming in every hour about the coronavirus, this post will update you with the latest you need to know.

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

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2,473 new cases & 17 new deaths in TN; more than 49,700 recoveries

4:25 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,473 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths, for a total of 84,417 cases and 888 deaths in the state.

There are 3,907 hospitalizations, and 49,748 have recovered. 1,262,993 have been tested in the state.

Find the full breakdown from the Tennessee Department of Health HERE.

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New guidance for testing for those on home isolation in Memphis/Shelby County

4:00 p.m. - The City of memphis posted new guidance for those on home isolation, regarding testing.

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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state

2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.

LIVE: Governor Tate Reeves

This is Mississippi’s second day in a row over 1,500 new cases—far more than any other point in this pandemic. Our hospital system is stretched to the point of pain. I’ll take you through the data in today’s briefing. It paints a frightening picture. Even if you think you are invincible to COVID-19, we are all at risk of heart attacks, car crashes, and violence. We are at the point where open ICU beds are becoming more difficult to find for everyone...not in the near future—today. Please wear a mask and just try. Any effort makes a difference.

Posted by Tate Reeves on Wednesday, July 22, 2020

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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state

1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.

(KTHV) - Last week, Gov. Hutchinson announced a state-wide mandate for the state of Arkansas. The mask mandate will take effect on Monday, July 20.

The governor said this decision came after conversations with those on the front-lines and legislators. He said that the fight against COVID-19 will likely get harder, not easier, and this is a way to enlist everyone in the fight.

The state unemployment rate decreased from 9.6% in May to 8% in June. The national rate is 11.1%.

Key facts to know:

  • 35,246 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
  • 7,127 active cases as of July 22
  • 380 reported deaths as of July 22
  • 474 hospitalizations 
  • 111 on ventilators
  • 26,397 recoveries as of July 22

Find the full breakdown from the Arkansas Department of Health HERE.

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1,547 new cases & 34 new deaths in MS; 145 new cases in Desoto County

12:15 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 1,547 new COVID-19 cases and 34 new deaths, for a total of 47,071 cases and 1,423 deaths in the state.

Desoto County has 145 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 2,619 cases and 20 deaths in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Mississippi State Department of Health HERE.

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City of Memphis announces expansion to outdoor dining guidelines

10:00 a.m. - The City of Memphis announced an expansion to guidelines for outdoor dining in the city. The policy allows restaurants to expand their outdoor space "to ensure public health and safety."

"Generally, two types of expansions are possible – 1) onto private property adjacent to the restaurant’s structure, such as a parking lot; and 2) onto public right-of-way such as a sidewalk or street."

Read the full guidelines HERE.

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277 new cases & 7 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 12,000 recoveries

10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health department reports 277 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 17,255 cases and 251 deaths in the county. 

12,002 have recovered. 178,572 have been tested in the county.

Find the full breakdown from the Shelby County Health Department HERE.

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Tennessee provides Spanish language website for COVID-19 information

10:00 a.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health and Unified Command Group are providing additional COVID-19 materials and resources for Spanish-speaking Tennesseans through a new webpage. These items are accessible on the TDH website at https://tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/covid-19-resources-information-in-spanish.html. This new webpage includes videos, fact sheets, infographics and other resources about COVID-19 testing, the Tennessee Pledge and how to protect yourself, your family, your coworkers and your community from COVID-19.

El Departamento de Salud de Tennessee y el Grupo de Comando Unificado están proporcionando materiales y recursos adicionales en español sobre COVID-19 para residentes de Tennessee a través de una nueva página web. Estos recursos son accesibles en la página web de TDH en https://tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/covid-19-resources-information-in-spanish.html. Esta nueva página web incluye videos, hojas informativas, infografías y otros recursos sobre las pruebas de COVID-19, “Nuestra Promesa Tennessee”, y cómo protegerse a sí mismo, a su familia, a sus compañeros de trabajo y a su comunidad de COVID-19.

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Shelby County Health Department's resource center provides testing locations and guidelines

6:30 a.m. - For current COVID-19 testing sites, isolation & quarantine guidelines as well as the latest public health directives, click on the link below:

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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Wednesday

6:30 a.m. - Here is today's location for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry.

  • Memphis, Idlewild Presbyterian, 1750 Union, 38104, 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.

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