MEMPHIS (AP) — Tennessee reported its largest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases as the state's total climbed to nearly 56,000 cases on Wednesday.
The state Department of Health reported 2,472 additional cases and 20 more deaths, bringing the statewide total of people who have died from the illness caused by the new coronavirus to 685.
Health officials also reported an increase of 73 hospitalizations, bringing the state total to more than 3,020.
Shelby County, which includes Memphis, reported 302 additional cases on Wednesday, bringing the total in Tennessee's largest county to 12,467.
Worried about rising cases and hospitalizations, Shelby County officials have ordered bars and clubs closed and they are telling restaurants to close at 10 p.m.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.
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