Coronavirus Resource Center
Visit this website often for updated information on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and details on available vaccines, testing and treatment options, including monoclonal antibody therapy, near you.
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..
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.
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.
Media Coverage
Visit Baptist's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) YouTube page to watch interviews with our medical experts.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
It’s time to take your shot!
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe – Patient safety has always been the top priority, and extreme reactions are very rare.
- They’re effective – Ongoing studies show efficacy rates for the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are very high, far surpassing the effectiveness of most flu shots.
- Side effects are mild – In most cases, patients experienced soreness at the injection site, fatigue and achiness a few days after receiving the vaccine.
- One shot or two – The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two injections 2-3 weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot.
- It’s vitally important that we all get it - The faster we all get the vaccine, the sooner we can end the pandemic and return to a more normal way of life.
- Know where to go – Visit your state’s health department website to find out if and where to receive the vaccine. TN; AR; MS
Our Community Resources page has information to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or find the location nearest you. You may also call our Coronavirus Resource Center phone line at 866-941-4785 for more information.
COVID-19 Testing
By appointment only
Baptist is offering COVID-19 testing at all Baptist Medical Group clinic locations. Appointments are required. Call 901-227-TEST (8378) to schedule an appointment, or call your nearest BMG clinic location.
No appointment necessary
You can also get a COVID-19 test at all four Baptist Minor Medical locations in Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova and Olive Branch without an appointment.
No insurance is required to get tested, but please be prepared to show your insurance card if you have one.