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
471 new cases & 5 new deaths in TN (28,340 cases/441 deaths total); nearly 19,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 471 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 28,340 cases and 441 deaths in the state.
There have been 2,011 hospitalizations, and 18,922 have recovered, up 406 from Wednesday.
535,096 have been tested in the state.
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Free face masks available once again at Shelby County public health clinics
(NEWS RELEASE) - Beginning tomorrow, June 11, 2020, the Shelby County Health Department will once again dispense fabric face masks to the public at 814 Jefferson and its other public health facilities located around Shelby County.
The masks, provided in partnership with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group, have been declared safe for human use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Health.
The masks are treated with a chemical called Silvadur 930, an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Many fabrics are treated with Silvadur 930, including sheets, pillow cases, athletic wear and underwear.
According to the EPA, once Silvadur 930 is incorporated into the fabric, it is extremely unlikely it would be inhaled; therefore, the EPA considers inhalation exposure to be negligible and not a health concern.
- The masks may be picked up, while supplies last, at all Shelby County Health Department locations listed below during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the exception of the Collierville clinic, which is open Tuesday and Thursday only. No appointment is needed to pick up a mask.
Cawthon Public Health Clinic
- 1000 Haynes, 38114
Collierville Public Health Clinic (Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
- 167 Washington St., 38017
Hickory Hill Public Health Clinic
- 6590 Kirby Center Cove, 38118
Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic
- 6170 Macon Road, 38133
Southland Mall Public Health Clinic (Reopening Monday, June 15, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
- 1287 Southland Mall, 38116
The Health Department will also provide the masks to partnering agencies for them to distribute in the community.
For more information about COVID-19 call the Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 833-943-1558 or visit our COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there are 448 new COVID-19 cases in the state within the last 24 hours, totaling 10,816 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.
On Wednesday, Gov. Hutchinson announced the state of Arkansas is entering into Phase II. Phase II will begin on Monday, June 15.
This week, Arkansas has seen the highest number of hospitalizations since the beginning of COVID-19.
Key facts to know:
- 10,816 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 3,294 active cases
- 171 reported deaths
- 187 hospitalizations
- 45 on ventilators
- 7,351 recoveries
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Mississippi identifies 676 COVID-19 cases at state's 211 nursing homes
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing, expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening next week
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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125 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County (6,345 cases/136 deaths); more than 4,400 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 125 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 6,345 cases and 136 deaths in the county.
There have been 4,401 recoveries. 92,063 have been tested in the county.
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Germantown resumes free masks distribution
On Wednesday, the Shelby County Health Department announced that the department will once again distribute the black, knitted face masks provided by the State of Tennessee. The masks, manufactured by Renfro Corps, have been declared safe for human use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Health.
The masks are treated with a chemical called Silvadur 930, an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Many fabrics are treated with Silvadur 930, including sheets, pillow cases, athletic wear and underwear. According to the EPA, once Silvadur 930 is incorporated into the fabric, it is extremely unlikely it would be inhaled; therefore, the EPA considers inhalation exposure to be negligible and not a health concern.
Per the information provided by the Shelby County Health Department, the EPA and the Tennessee Department of Health, the Germantown Fire Department will also resume the distribution of these masks. GFD still has a supply of the masks available and will work to coordinate an additional public distribution date.
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MATA service changes
9:20 a.m. - (FROM NEWS RELEASE) - The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) today announced a series of changes to current operations effective Sunday, June 21, 2020 until further notice relating to fixed-route service, new temporary fares and the reopening of its three Transit Centers with strict social distancing guidelines enforced. This announcement is a result of the recent reopening measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mid-South Food Bank mobile pantries
Bring driver’s license OR a current utility or other bill that verifies name and address in the county where the distribution takes place. You will be asked to fill out a short eligibility form. Only two households per vehicle please. If you are picking up for someone else, you must have their ID and they count as one household. Take note of Mobile Pantries that require pre-registration.
Food is placed in the back seat, trunk or truck bed by volunteers, so be sure you have space.
Thur., June 11
- DeSoto Cty, MS- Holy Spirit Catholic Church 545 E. Commerce in Hernando 38632, 2-4 p.m. or first 300 families. DeSoto County residents only. Pre-register at 662-342-3180. Bring driver’s license; no more than 2 households per vehicle
- Memphis, Bert Ferguson Community Center 8505 Trinity in Cordova 38018, 10 a.m.
- Tunica Cty, MS- Tunica 10-Pt. Coalition/Henderson Rec Ctr, 1165 Abbay Drive, Tunica 38676, 10 a.m.
- Tipton Cty, TN- St. John Atoka MBC, 1998 Atoka-Idaville Rd. 38004, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, New Direction, 6120 Winchester 38115, 10 a.m.
- Memphis, 2nd Baptist Church, 1208 Florida St. 38106, 10 a.m.
RELATED: US passes 2 million COVID-19 cases
RELATED: Memphis Tigers football: likely no single-game ticket sales, only season ticket holders at games
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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.