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
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The Shelby County Health Department reports 178 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 new deaths for a total of 30,135 cases and 442 deaths in the county.
As of Saturday, 421,087 have been tested and 28,111 have recovered.
The Tennessee Department of Health reports 942 news cases of COVID-19 cases and 20 new deaths for a total of 181,439 cases and 2,216 deaths in the state.
Health officials state that 2,621,091 have been tested, 706 hospitalized and 164,982 have recovered.
The Mississippi Department of Health reports 655 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 new deaths in the state.
Officials say the state’s total is now 93,087 cases and 2,809 deaths.
DeSoto County health officials report a total of 5,354 cases in the county.
The Arkansas Department of Health reports a total of 74,082 COVID-19 cases in the state.
Crittenden County, Arkansas reports a total of 1,842 cases in their county.
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.
