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 14th
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.
(MS GOVS OFFICE NEWS RELEASE) — Today, Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) launched the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program to help relieve the financial burdens on counties and municipalities caused by this unprecedented pandemic.
In House Bill 1799 and Senate Bill 3047, MEMA was allocated $70,000,000 of CARES Act money to assist counties and municipalities with their COVID-19 expenses.
"Hopefully it can help keep more people on the job, and prevent more layoffs," said Governor Tate Reeves. "It’s not enough to overcome the terrible cost of COVID-19, but it’s something. It’s necessary. And we’re going to do everything we can to get it out quickly and efficiently."
Governor Reeves made the announcement with Director Greg Michel at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here.
Through FEMA’s COVID-19 Economic Disaster Declaration, counties, municipalities, and specific nonprofits are eligible for public assistance. While FEMA reimburses 75% of those approved expenses, some entities struggle to meet the 25% match. Through the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program, the burden is now lifted from the counties and municipalities to provide that match.
You can view which expenses are reimbursable through FEMA and CARES Act funding here.
Since not all COVID-19 expenses are eligible for federal reimbursement through FEMA, SB 3047 details what other expenses can be covered by the CARES Act funds. The allocation of funds from the Relief Program is based on the county or municipality’s population as listed in the 2010 U.S. Census. If a government entity’s costs are not entirely covered by FEMA’s reimbursement, MEMA will work with remaining CARES Act funds to help ensure a 100% reimbursement.
The CARES Act funding application process will be open from August 3- October 15. Information on how to apply for CARES Act funding will be available by July 31 on MEMA’s website at msema.org. According to SB 3047, reimbursements must begin August 15. Monies must be obligated by November 30 or will be returned to the Governor.
Counties and municipalities can apply for public assistance through FEMA’s Grants Portal now by visiting grantee.fema.gov.
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1,514 new cases & 18 new deaths in TN; more than 38,200 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,514 new COVID-19 cases and 18 new deaths, for a total of 66,788 cases and 767 deaths in the state.
There are 3,378 hospitalizations, and 38,272 have recovered. 1,071,320 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.
794 new cases in Arkansas, 8 more deaths
(KTHV) - On Saturday, July 11, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed 1,061 new coronavirus cases in the state within 24 hours, bringing the biggest single day increase since the start of the pandemic in Arkansas.
Governor Hutchinson said the record high number of cases is concerning and could be a result of July 4th celebrations.
Last week, Gov. Hutchinson also announced schools will return this fall, but will return at a later date. The start date of school will be the week of August 24, but no later than August 26.
Key facts to know:
- 29,733 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,510 active cases
- 331 reported deaths
- 445 hospitalizations
- 82 on ventilators
- 22,106 recoveries
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862 new cases & 23 new deaths in MS, Desoto County has 41 new cases
12:10 p.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 862 new COVID-19 cases and 23 new deaths, for a total of 37,542 cases and 1,272 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 41 new cases and no new deaths, for a total of 2,050 cases and 20 deaths in the county.
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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One-day record of 700 new cases reported in Shelby County; more than 9,400 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 700 new COVID-19 cases and one new death, for a total of 14,555 cases and 223 deaths in the county. The department says the testing date range for the 700 number is from June 20 to July 13, 2020.
9,435 have recovered, 161,069 have been tested in Shelby County.
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Mid-South Food Bank Mobile Pantry locations for Tuesday
Here are the locations for the Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry for Tuesday, July 14.
- Memphis, RedZone/Orange Mound, 2590 Park Ave 38114, 10 a.m. 38114 Zip Code Only!
- Coahoma Cty, MS- Jonestown Multipurpose Building, 414 Second St., Jonestown, 39466, 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.