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: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves gives update on COVID-19 in the state
2:30 p.m. - Watch HERE.
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358 new cases & 5 new deaths in TN (20,965 cases/343 deaths total); more than 13,300 recovered
2:00 p.m. - The Tennessee Department of Health reports 358 new COVID-19 cases and 5 new deaths, for a total of 20,965 cases and 343 deaths in the state.
There are 1,609 hospitalizations, and a total of 13,344 have recovered, up 271 from Monday.
403,504 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.
(KTHV) - As of Tuesday, May 26, Arkansas officials reported 151 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 6,180 positive cases in the state.
On Thursday, May 21, Arkansas saw the largest one-day increase in coronavirus cases since March 11, with 455 new cases.
Gov. Hutchinson announced bars that are associated and in restaurant facilities can be opened effective May 19, and free standing bars can be opened Tuesday, May 26.
Hutchinson also announced that high school and community team sports can resume on June 1.
Key facts to know:
- 6,180 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 1,729 active cases
- 119 reported deaths
- 107 hospitalizations
- 4,332 recoveries
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WATCH: Memphis & Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing
12:00 p.m. - COVID-19 Joint Task Force Update with Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Director, Shelby County Health Department.
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273 new cases & 17 new deaths in MS (13,731 cases/652 deaths total); Desoto County reports 11 new cases
11:00 a.m. - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports 273 new COVI-19 cases and 17 new deaths, for a total of 13,731 cases and 652 deaths in the state.
Desoto County reports 11 new cases and no new deaths for a total of 485 cases and 6 deaths in the county.
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127 new cases & 1 new death (4,531 cases/94 deaths total); more than 3,000 recoveries
10:00 a.m. - The Shelby County Health Department reports 127 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new death, for a total of 4,531 cases and 94 deaths in the county. 3,047 have recovered.
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Latest Mid-South COVID-19 cases
7:00 a.m. - Here's a look at the latest numbers as of Monday night.
TN - Tennessee reports a total of 20,607 cases and 338 deaths in the state. 13,073 have recovered. Find more from the Tennessee Department of Health HERE.
- Shelby County reports a total of 4,404 cases and 93 deaths. 2,974 have recovered. Find more from the Shelby County Health Department HERE.
MS - Mississippi reports a total of 13,458 cases and 635 deaths. 9,401 have recovered. Desoto County reports a total of 474 cases and 6 deaths. Find more from the Mississippi State Department of health HERE.
AR - Arkansas reports a total of 6,029 cases and 117 deaths. 4,249 have recovered. Find more from the Arkansas Department of Health HERE.
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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.
