Category: Announcements

Over the last several days especially as we’ve had nicer weather, more and more people have been getting outside, which that alone is not a bad thing. In fact, doctors even recommend it. That said, it does become a huge problem when people disregard the importance of social distancing.

In last Friday’s update, I announced that we were closing all City baseball, softball and soccer fields, and basketball courts. Additionally, we closed dog parks and skateboard parks.

Unfortunately, some people are not taking this seriously, and for the health of our city—they must start to do so.

What happened this past weekend at a couple parks in our city was reckless, irresponsible and selfish. Because of this, effective 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 31st, we are limiting park access at all city-owned parks.

The first restriction will be to cars. Riverside Drive will be closed, and I will be closing as many roads in and around parks that the fire marshal will let me. Second, even though our Safer at Home Order sets this out, I will repeat—no groups of people will be allowed to congregate in our parks.

Medical experts recommend outdoor activities, but only with people in your household and staying at least six feet away from everyone else.

To help us monitor compliance, we will have City of Memphis employees at parks throughout the city. These new restrictions are designed to allow people to walk or run through their neighborhood park but to prohibit people from congregating in large groups.

I’ve said this before, and I’m saying it again—things will get worse before they get better. But, they will get better.

As mayor, I can only do so much. Government can only do so much to dictate the actions of citizens. Everyone must take personal responsibility, take social distancing and hygiene seriously, and stay home.

This is serious. You need to take it seriously because if you don’t—more people are going to die needlessly.

By staying safe at home, you will save lives.

We must all come together to stay apart and stop the spread of the virus.

Below is a graph that demonstrates the seriousness of this issue.

To stay up-to-date on everything the City and Joint Task Force is doing visit covid19.memphistn.gov

For concerns about the virus, call the Shelby County Health Department hotline at 833-943-1658.

To report violations of the Safer at Home Executive Order, please call 311.

What can you do to help?

If you want help those affected by making a contribution, you can donate to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will provide flexible funding to organizations working with community members who have been impacted by novel Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.

To learn more and donate online, visit cfgm.org/COVID

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: March 30, 2020

Shelby County currently has 379 confirmed COVID-19 cases. That includes one (1) death.

To date, a total of 4,382 persons have been tested for the COVID-19 virus in Shelby County.  Here is a breakdown of current cases by age range:

The Health Department is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop. The Health Department’s hotline number (833-943-1658).

As I’ve been saying for several days now, once more widespread testing becomes available— we will see more positive cases of the virus. That’s what today’s new number of cases shows. We were at 275 cases yesterday, and today’s number has risen to 362. To date 3,715 people have been tested with 3, 352 coming back negative. We are going to see more positive cases, and I just want you to be prepared for that in the days ahead.

Earlier today, our Joint COVID-19 Task Force issued guidance on facial covering and whether or not you should wear a mask in public. Read below for more.

Since enacting the Safer at Home Executive Order, we’ve received several questions asking where to report someone who’s not following it.

All you need to do is call 311.

The Order is legally enforceable, and we will take every measure available to enforce it. This includes possibly issuing misdemeanor citations, revoking beer permits, and closures of businesses under nuisance abatement ordinances. The Directive issued by the Shelby County Health Department is also legally enforceable, and applies to all residents of Shelby County.

What can you do to help?

If you want help those affected by making a contribution, you can donate to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will provide flexible funding to organizations working with community members who have been impacted by novel Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.

To learn more and donate online, visit cfgm.org/COVID

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: March 29, 2020

Shelby County currently has 362 confirmed COVID-19 cases. That includes one (1) death.

To date, a total of 3,715 persons have been tested for the COVID-19 virus in Shelby County.  Here is a breakdown of current cases by age range:

The Health Department is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop. The Health Department’s hotline number (833-943-1658).

As you may have seen yesterday, Governor Lee was in town which was good for a couple reasons. One—he was able to see first-hand how we’re handling the situation here locally, and two, my top staff and I were able to sit face-to-face with him and his team leading the fight at the state level to talk about our needs, our concerns, and our way forward.

Overall, it was a productive meeting, and I appreciate the Governor and his team making the time to make it happen.

If someone asked you the question a month ago, “Are you practicing social distancing?” most of us would have had no idea what they were talking about. Now, it’s in everyone’s vocabulary and constantly on the brain.

Below is a pretty good graph that demonstrates clearly why it is so important to slowing the spread of the virus. As you look at it, keep in mind that outdoor activities are great and even doctor recommended—as long as you’re maintaining social distancing.

As many of you saw earlier today, we have had our first confirmed death in Shelby County from the virus.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones. This serves as a constant reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic must be taken seriously, and we must be vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread.

What can you do to help?

If you want help those affected by making a contribution, you can donate to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will provide flexible funding to organizations working with community members who have been impacted by novel Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.

To learn more and donate online, visit cfgm.org/COVID

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: March 28, 2020

Shelby County currently has 275 confirmed COVID-19 cases. That includes one (1) death. The Shelby County Health Department does not release identifiable information about specific cases in order to protect privacy. A total of 2,773 Shelby County residents to date have been tested for the virus.

Here is a breakdown of current cases by age range:

Please note: Laboratory reports of positive cases are reported to local health departments as soon as results are available. State numbers are updated at 2 p.m. CDT daily; but there is a lag in reporting of cumulative numbers at the state level, and that accounts for any discrepancy.

The Health Department is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop. The Health Department’s hotline number (833-943-1658).

Starting today, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is making essential financial resources available to families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

Families can apply now online, for up to two months of emergency cash assistance if they were employed as of March 11, 2020, and they’ve lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income as a result of the pandemic.

Click here for more information.

In addition to families in need, Governor Lee recently announced that Tennessee has received a declaration for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to a recently submitted request.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19 can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million per applicant to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have otherwise been met.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Over the last several days, many of you have asked questions either through social media, emails, or phone calls to my office:

What are we doing for our homeless population?

Rest assured—we are keeping them top of mind.

The City is actively coordinating with Shelby County, MIFA, Community Alliance for the Homeless, Hospitality Hub and other agencies throughout the City to monitor the capacity and needs shelter providers throughout the City. People who are experiencing homelessness should contact MIFA’s Homeless Hotline at 901-529-4545 in order to be connected to shelter alternatives. If there are individuals that are experiencing domestic violence, they can seek support through the Family Safety Center (901) 222-4400) or Shelby County Crime Victim & Rape Crisis Center (901-222-3950).

My employer isn’t requiring social distancing at work. What should I do?

OSHA is in the best place to report workplace hazards. Under the Safer at Home Order, “essential businesses” remaining open must operate in such a way to protect the health and safety of the community, employees, vendors, and the general public. This includes compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf) and other applicable state and federal workplace rules.

You may contact the local OSHA office at (901) 543-7259. In addition, you may contact Shelby County Health Department at (901) 222-9000 regarding health concerns in your workplace.

City Services

As we move through this pandemic, I want to prepare you that there may come a time when we must reduce your city services due to city employees becoming infected with the virus. As it stands right now, 11 of our more than 8,000 City of Memphis employees have tested positive for COVID-19; however, we know that number is only going to rise and more employees will be quarantined because they will come in contact with someone with the virus.

The precautionary measures the we have put in place within City government have limited potential spread of COVID-19, and we are closely monitoring employees for any symptoms. We are providing additional PPE, restricting personal interaction, conducting additional screening of all 911 calls, and numerous other measures. We will continue to make the health and safety of our residents and our employees our number one priority.

What can you do to help?

If you want help those affected by making a contribution, you can donate to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will provide flexible funding to organizations working with community members who have been impacted by novel Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.
To learn more and donate online, visit cfgm.org/COVID

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: March 26, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases: 198
Tennessee Total Cases: 957*
*As of 2:00 p.m. 3/26/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN: 6
Desoto County, MS: 36
Crittenden County, AR: 7
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 3/26/2020

Shelby County currently has 198 confirmed COVID-19 cases. All out-of-county residents have been transferred to their local health department jurisdictions. Going forward, Shelby County Health Department will only track resident cases.
The Health Department is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop. The Health Department’s hotline number (833-943-1658).

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) helpline remains open to help families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia illnesses during this time as we are faced with the Coronavirus pandemic.

The AFA toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) is open seven days a week and staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are trained in dementia care.

We are able assist callers with topics/questions about combating isolation, keeping engaged, washing tips, caregiver stress, whether family members should visit during this time, items to have in the home, etc.

Families can connect with the AFA Helpline in any of the following ways:

• Via phone by calling 866-232-8484
• Web chat by visiting www.alzfdn.org and clicking on the blue and white chat icon on the lower right hand corner of the page
• Sending a text message to 646-586-5283

The web and text chat features are available in more than 90 languages.

Executive Order extending State of Emergency by Mayor Jim Strickland, City of Memphis

Latest information:

In today’s update, I want to take a step back and focus on some of the positives.

Over the weekend, Home Depot donated masks to our first responders. Today, Memphis’ own Radians is donating 14,000 more masks to Memphis and Shelby County Government. This is a prime example of Memphians helping Memphians during a critical time, and I can’t thank them enough for stepping up.

If there are others in community who want to help by donating personal protective equipment (PPE), please email me at mayor@memphistn.gov.

Whether it’s been the federal, state or local government, we’ve all been telling you for days what you can’t do.

Today, I want to remind you of what you can do.

• Donate blood—schedule an appointment with the American Red Cross or Vitalant today.
• Support our local restaurants. This is a great list of them offering curbside and delivery service.
• Take a walk in your neighborhood (assuming it’s not pouring down rain).
• If you’re working from home and you have a family, a pet, or just you — enjoy the time you have (this won’t last forever).
• Foster a pet from MAS or fill out this form to be on-call for any emergency foster needs that may arise.
• Run some errands for an elderly relative or a neighbor.
• Read a book you’ve been wanting to explore.
• Catch up some of your favorite podcasts.
• Finish those home repairs you been putting off because you didn’t have the time.
• Take time for reflection, and set new goals for the rest of the year.
• Contribute to the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund at the Community Foundation. To donate online, visit cfgm.org/COVID
  Remember, we are all in this together, and it will take all of us to get through it. Please do not take the Safer at Home Executive order lightly. Following it is extremely important, but also remember it is only temporary.

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Residents: 135
Tennessee Total Cases: 667*
*As of 2:00 p.m. 3/24/20
Other Jurisdictions:

Tipton County, TN: 6
Desoto County, MS: 29
Crittenden County, AR: 4 or under
Numbers current as of 2:00 p.m. 3/24/2020

Shelby County currently has 135 confirmed COVID-19 cases. All out-of-county residents have been transferred to their local health department jurisdictions. Going forward, Shelby County Health Department will only track resident cases.
Please note: Laboratory reports of positive cases are reported to local health departments as soon as results are available. State numbers are updated at 2 p.m. CDT daily; but there is a lag in reporting of cumulative numbers at the state level, and that accounts for any discrepancy.
There are now indications that person-to-person spread in the workplace and the community is taking place. The Health Department recommends strict adherence to social-distancing recommendations.
The Health Department is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop. The Health Department’s hotline number is 833-943-1658.