Coronavirus Resource Center

Mid-South Coronavirus Updates and Resources

Baptist continues to be a leader in providing resources and information to help you stay healthy and make the best decisions for you and your family during this unprecedented time. COVID-19 testing and all three COVID-19 vaccines are available in many Baptist hospitals and select clinics and specialty facilities.

COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment are available for eligible individuals at many Baptist locations and community sites throughout West Tennessee, Eastern Arkansas, and North and Central Mississippi. Schedule your vaccination appointment at the facility nearest you.

For more information and scheduling, please visit our COVID-19 Community Resources page. You may also call our Coronavirus Resource Center phone line at 866-941-4785 for more information.

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are here, and we recommend you get one as soon as you are eligible to receive it. You can count on Baptist to keep you up to date on vaccine availability and distribution. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccines, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page, or you may also call our Coronavirus Resource Center phone line at 866-941-4785 for more information..

View our COVID-19 Vaccination Information

COVID-19 Treatment Options are Changing

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 becomes more prevalent, treatment options for those with moderate to severe symptoms are rapidly changing as well. Recent data indicates that the current monoclonal antibody treatments available may not be effective against the Omicron variant.

Therefore, some Baptist locations are not providing monoclonal antibody therapy at this time.

The COVID-19 Pill

The FDA has approved two new oral antiviral medications for Emergency Use Authorization. Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are available to the public in January through commercial pharmacies and select Baptist locations throughout our three-state region:

• In Tennessee – Exclusively at select WalMart pharmacies. Visit their website for participating locations.
• In Arkansas – Select WalMart pharmacies (find participating locations)
• In Mississippi – Outpatient pharmacies at select Baptist hospitals. Call your primary care physician or pharmacy for more information.

These medications require a prescription from a provider and should be used as soon as possible after a positive test and symptom onset. As supply becomes available in pharmacies, it will be limited and should be reserved for high-risk individuals, including those ages 65 and older and the immunocompromised.

Face masks still required at all Baptist facilities

In alignment with guidance from the CDC, Baptist will continue to require all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks at all times in all our health care facilities, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, surgery centers, diagnostic centers and similar facilities.

While we understand some state and local governments have relaxed COVID restrictions, to ensure the health and safety of our patients, families and employees, our rules have not changed.

All our pandemic safety precautions remain in effect until further notice, including:

• Taking the temperature of everyone who enters any of our health care facilities
• Maintaining our current visitation policy
• Requiring our employees to continue following COVID safety protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing

We will continue to monitor guidance from local health departments and the CDC, evaluate our internal policies and communicate changes, if any, when appropriate.

Thank you for continuing to wear your mask and keeping our patients, families and employees safe.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

• Isolate yourself from others.
• Get a test at a Baptist Memorial Health Care testing center.
• Call your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
• If you don’t have a doctor, please call one of these numbers to be referred to a physician
  • 844-837-2433 for the metro-Memphis area, West Tennessee and North Mississippi
  • 855-733-8863 for the for the Jackson, Mississippi, area.
  • 870-936-8000 for the Jonesboro, Arkansas, area.
• If your symptoms are severe, call 911, or call your nearest emergency department before going there.

When to seek medical attention

If you or a loved one experience any of the following emergency warning signs associated with COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately (not an all-inclusive list):

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Watch and share our short video to learn more about stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Going Back to School Safely

This school year is unlike anything we have ever experienced. If you chose in-person learning for your child this year, it’s a good idea to ensure you and your child follow these tips to help ensure a safe and healthy school year.

Back to School Safely

Health Care Provider Resources

Useful information and resources for physicians and advanced practice providers in the Baptist community, including the latest episodes of the Right Care at Baptist podcast, office resources, and links to national and international health organizations.

Explore Health Care Provider Resources

Media Coverage

Visit Baptist's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) YouTube page to watch interviews with our medical experts.

View our videos