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Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state

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

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 that Arkansas high school sports will continue as scheduled this fall. He said the state needs school this fall and, part of school, are the sports and activities.

The governor announced a $10 million Emergency Relief Fund (GEER) for WiFi access points for students across Arkansas. This will provide approximately 20,000 devices with up to 24 months of high speed unlimited data.

Key facts to know:

  • 43,810 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas 
  • 6,770 active cases
  • 464 reported deaths 
  • 515 hospitalizations
  • 106 on ventilators
  • 36,576 recoveries

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258 new cases & zero new deaths in Shelby County; more than 16,300 recoveries

10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 258 new COVID-19 cases and zero new deaths, for a total of 21,913 cases and 284 deaths in the county.

16,310 have recovered in Shelby County.

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

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Masks available through the Shelby County Health Department #MASKUP

7:25 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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