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
1,822 new cases & 13 new deaths in TN; nearly 29,600 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,822 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths, for a total of 48,712 cases and 633 deaths in the state.
There are 2,825 hospitalizations, and 29,591 have recovered. 862,121 have been tested in Tennessee.
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Mississippi
New cases of COVID-19: 914
Positive test results reported to MSDH as of 6 p.m. yesterday. Tests may have been made during the past several days, and represent individuals who became ill a week ago or more.
New deaths reported: 11
COVID-19 related deaths reported to MSDH from hospitals, medical examiners and coroners.
Long-Term Care Facilities
New LTC cases: 26
New cases, included in the total case count for today, among residents of long-term care or residential facilities.
Active outbreaks: 95
An outbreak is considered any COVID-19 case in the staff or residents of a long-term care or residential facility.
Hospitalizations
Persons currently hospitalized in Mississippi for confirmed COVID-19: 603
Persons currently hospitalized in Mississippi for suspected COVID-19: 242
State Trend
Totals of all Mississippi cases and deaths since March 11, 2020.
Total COVID-19 cases: 29,684
Total COVID-19 related deaths: 1,103
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
(KTHV) - Since the beginning of Phase Two, Arkansas has seen a total of 9,574 new coronavirus cases.
In a press conference on June 25, Gov. Hutchinson said there is currently a pause on reopenings in Arkansas.The statement comes after a reference to the governor of Texas "rolling back" on reopenings and some elective surgeries.
Hutchinson has also issued a new guidance on face masks in the state, but has yet to make it a requirement to wear them in public settings.
Key facts to know:
- 22,622 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 6,177 active cases
- 281 reported deaths
- 285 hospitalizations
- 70 on ventilators
- 16,164 recoveries
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing / Shelby County Health Department mandates mandatory mask ordinance countywide for anyone 12 & up
12:00 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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442 new cases & 2 new deaths in Shelby County; more than 7,100 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 442 new COVID-19 cases and 2 new deaths, for a total of 11,044 cases and 194 deaths in the county.
7,125 have recovered. 135,413 have been tested.
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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.