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 August 31st
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Christ Community Health Services moves COVID-19 testing to ole inspection station on Lamar Ave.
2:45 p.m. - (NEWS RELEASE) - Beginning Monday, August 31, 2020, all drive through COVID 19 testing will be moved to 1720 RSK Commercial Cove (The old Lamar inspection station) off of Lamar Ave. Testing is will take place Monday – Friday beginning at 9 am.- 4:30 pm.
“The move allows us to increase our ability to test up to 500 individuals daily,” said Shayla Williamson, Christ Community Health Services’ Chief Nursing and Quality Officer. “We are encouraging people to pre-register to help speed the testing process,” added Williamson.
Those wishing to be tested are asked to text: Test2020 to 91999 or call Christ Community at 901-842-3160. The Lamar site will allow for limited testing of individuals who have not pre-registered.
Christ Community beginning COVID Testing in early March and has tested over 20,000 individuals with drive through testing at the Third St. and Hickory Hill locations.
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WATCH: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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1,818 new cases & 7 new deaths in TN; nearly 117,000 recoveries
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 1,818 new COVID-19 cases and 7 new deaths, for a total of 154,933 cases and 1,754 deaths in the state.
There have been 6,878 hospitalizations, 116,864 recoveries, and 2,197,316 have been tested.
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WATCH: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives update on COVID-19 in the state
1:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
Key facts to know:
- 61,224 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 5,466 active cases
- 797 reported deaths
- 420 hospitalizations
- 84 on ventilators
- 54,408 recoveries
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274 new cases & 32 new deaths in MS; 39 new cases & 1 new death in Desoto County
10:10 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 274 new COVID-19 cases and 32 new deaths, for a total of 82,950 cases and 2,473 deaths in the state.
Desoto County has 39 new cases and one new death, for a total of 4,624 cases and 44 deaths in the county.
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120 new cases & no new deaths in Shelby County; more than 24,200 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 120 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths, for a total of 27,587 cases and 382 deaths in the county.
There have been 24,227 recoveries in the county.
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Mid-South food Bank mobile pantry locations
8:00 a.m. - Here are the locations for Monday's mobile pantries from the Mid-South Food Bank.
- Memphis, The Time is Now Douglass Redevelopment Corporation, 3299 Omar Robinson 38108, 10 a.m.
- Dyer Cty, TN- 114 W. Main Newbern 38059, 10 a.m-1 p.m.
- Tate Cty, MS- Second Baptist Coldwater, 716 Forest Cir. Coldwater 38618, 10 a.m.
- Benton Cty, MS- Greenwood Church, 4854 Lamar Rd. Lamar 38642, 10 a.m.-1 p.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.