Memphis Coronavirus Updates

Click here to read the executive order by Mayor Jim Strickland extending the State of Emergency. 

As I said in yesterday’s update and as Dr. Jain told you last week, wearing a facial covering when you go out in public is crucial to fighting this virus. I also told you we would be enforcing the recently passed mask ordinance. It would be worth your time to familiarize yourself with it.

Over the weekend, we received 49 mask complaints. To report a complaint of noncompliance within the city of Memphis, call 311.

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

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	9310* *As of 10:00 a.m. 6/28/20
Deaths	181
Total Tested in Shelby County	121,626
Tennessee Total Cases	40,172 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/27/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	593* *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/27/20
Desoto County, MS	1224
Crittenden County, AR	731

Total COVID-19 Cases Recovered in Shelby County as of 6/28/20

6,393

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

Below is information about testing at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar:

Investigations and Contacts as of 6/28/20

Closed Investigations: 6,552

Contacts Identified: 12,486
Contacts Currently in Quarantine: 5,133

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #7, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

 The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

 The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

 Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

Click below to read the new Face Covering/ Mask Ordinance.

In today’s update, I asked Dr. Manoj Jain, the City’s contracted medical advisor, to share some quick thoughts on the importance of masking.

Below are his thoughts based on a real-life scenario:

Earlier this week, I took my car for regular servicing at a local dealership. Two middle-aged men sat behind the service desk, another a customer (who was wearing a mask) was in front of me and picking up his keys. I stood six feet away with my daughter, who was also masked. When my turn came, I stepped up and then back from the service desk. 

The two service managers at the dealership were not wearing a mask. Even before giving the details for the service needs on my car, I asked them “why are you not wearing a mask?”

One serviceman casually replied, “Oh – the owner does not require us to do it.”

“But, that does not matter,” I said. “You should wear a mask. We have community transmission of the virus.  COVID-19 is amidst us all, and masking and distancing is the best way to protect ourselves and others.”

Unfortunately, the two servicemen are not alone, and this just one example of many. There are thousands of Memphians who are not wearing masks. Some people do not wear a mask because it is not required by their employer. Some because it is uncomfortable, and some young folks think they are invincible and will not get sick from the virus.

I would strongly urge all of them to reconsider.

Masks do work.

This is not my opinion, but that of the highest scientific agencies around the globe— both the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend wearing a mask in public areas.

Also, the scientific literature supports this. People wonder how much does masking help?

A recent study in a prestigious journal, Lancet, pooled together nearly 40 studies with over 13,000 persons. It found that the chance of viral infection or transmission from coronavirus was 17 percent if no mask was worn. However, if the mask was worn the risk of transmission was reduced to 3 percent. This is nearly a six-fold decline in risk because we protected ourselves.

As we left the dealership my daughter (still in a mask) said, “Dad, I hope they listen to you.”

“Me too,” I said.

More importantly, I hope you see the importance and will listen to me and to Mayor Strickland and choose to wear a mask so as not to infect yourself and those around you.

– Manoj Jain, M.D., M.P.H.

Faculty at University of Tennessee Health Science Center -UTHSC

Faculty at Rollins School of Public Health, Infectious Disease Physician

Medical Advisor to Mayor of Memphis on COVID-19

Consultant to the World Health Organization on Tuberculosis

www.mjainmd.com

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: June 25, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	8688
Deaths	176
Total Tested in Shelby County	116,242
Tennessee Total Cases	37,235 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/24/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	571
Desoto County, MS	990
Crittenden County, AR	621
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/25/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 24, 2020. 

Once per week, the Shelby County Health Department shares detailed analysis of COVID-19 cases, including testing and case rate maps:

Below is detailed analysis of cases by age, sex, race and ethnicity:

Here is detailed analysis of pediatric (>18) cases in Shelby County as of 6/24/20:

Below is detailed analysis of COVID-19 fatalities in Shelby County as of 6/24/20, by sex, race, age, exposure and co-morbidities:

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

As the numbers of our daily reported cases have risen, it has caused some discussion of whether or not we should revert back to Phase I of the Back-to-Business plan. 

Let’s talk about that for a second.

To be clear, like the Safer At Home order, the Back-to-Business plan was formulated based upon medical advice and data.  The medical experts have determined that, compared to a few months ago, we are much more capable of identifying hot spots, clusters, and outbreaks among vulnerable populations, and we are much more capable of tailoring interventions to address any spikes within the constraints of the current Back-to-Business phase.  In addition, our local hospitals have informed us that they are capable of handling the current level of hospitalizations.

We may, if the data and medical experts tell us, do more targeted interventions with specific sectors or clusters, but those actions would not impact the majority of citizens or businesses operating under the guidance of Phase II.

For example, if the data tells us that we have a spike in cases coming from a certain neighborhood within the city, and that spike is not attributable to other neighborhoods, the medical response will be targeted. 

All that to say, the only way I will push to move back to Phase I is if the data and the doctors find that we have random community spread, and we cannot control it.  As it stands right now, that is not happening. 

As I said from the start in March, we will base our decisions and recommendations on the data and expert advice.

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

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	8394
Deaths	167
Total Tested in Shelby County	113,279
Tennessee Total Cases	36,303 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/23/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	565
Desoto County, MS	948
Crittenden County, AR	604
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/24/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 23, 2020.

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

All along, we have stressed the importance of covering your face when you’re out in public, thoroughly washing your hands, and staying home when you can. Below is a chart which clearly demonstrates why all these things are so important. If we’re going to keep our economy moving and not regress, we must do those things mentioned above.

As I told you yesterday, this fight is far from over. We must remain vigilant and focused on the tough road ahead if we’re going to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: June 23, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	8203
Deaths	166
Total Tested in Shelby County	111,937
Tennessee Total Cases	36,303 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/23/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	563
Desoto County, MS	912
Crittenden County, AR	600
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/23/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 22, 2020.    

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

This morning in partnership with Representative Karen Camper and Senator Raumesh Akbari, we announced the Mask Up Memphis and Live campaign. We’ve been talking all along about the importance of covering your face in public, and this is one more way to help you do that.

The data shows that the virus has disproportionately affected the African American community. In Memphis and Shelby County, close to 60 percent of COVID-19 fatalities and cases are African Americans. Through this campaign, we will provide access to information and most importantly, masks to those in the community who need it most.

For more information on the campaign, to donate, or get a mask, please go here.

Data Points: As we talk about the importance of wearing a facial covering, I think it’s important to point out a couple data points in the information below to reiterate that fact. If you look at the numbers, on 4/20 the estimated COVID-19 hospitalized was 102.8 and estimated COVID-19 ICU hospitalized 44.4. On 5/20 those numbers rose to 156.5 and 56.7. Now, as we look at where we are this month on 6/20, the numbers have risen to 200.2 and 89.6.

Now, I’m not saying all this to scare you, but to make a point that the virus is real. It can be very dangerous, and it can be deadly to you, to the ones you love, or someone you don’t even really know.

Please take this seriously—wear a facial covering, thoroughly wash your hands, and keep staying home if you can. The fight with this virus is far from over.

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: June 22, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	8094*
Deaths	164
Total Tested in Shelby County	109,925
Tennessee Total Cases	35,102 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/21/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	562
Desoto County, MS	790
Crittenden County, AR	588
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/22/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 21, 2020.    

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

On this morning’s COVID-19 Joint Task Force call, Dr. Morgan McDonald the Deputy Commissioner for Population Heath with the State of Tennessee, gave a presentation regarding the Clinical Surge Capacity for Shelby County.

Below are two slides of interest as you look at our other data points.

*Estimated COVID Hospitalized are COVID positive and 20% of Persons of Interest (suspected positives) in hospital with pending results

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

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	7440
Deaths	152
Total Tested in Shelby County	103,875
Tennessee Total Cases	32,829 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/19/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	541
Desoto County, MS	790
Crittenden County, AR	562
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/19/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 18, 2020.     

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

Testing, testing, and more testing—it’s another important method we’re using to control the spread of the virus. Tennessee (including Shelby County) is one of the states leading the effort when it comes to testing. To date, we’ve performed nearly 103,000 tests in Shelby County alone, and we’re going to keep doing even more.

This Friday and Saturday, free COVID-19 testing will be performed at six locations throughout the city. You do not have to be experiencing symptoms, and you do not need an appointment.

Get tested. It’s quick. It’s easy, and most importantly, it’s free.

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: June 18, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	7320
Deaths	151
Total Tested in Shelby County	102,685
Tennessee Total Cases	32,829 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/18/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	534
Desoto County, MS	790
Crittenden County, AR	554
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/18/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 17, 2020.    

 Once per week, the Shelby County Health Department provides detailed analysis, including testing rate and positive case rate maps; analysis of cases by sex, age, race and ethnicity; pediatric cases by race and ethnicity; and analysis of mortalities by sex, age, race, exposure and comorbidities.

Here is a breakdown of current cases in Shelby County by age range:

Here is a breakdown of current cases in Shelby County by Race and Ethnicity:

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.

In yesterday’s City Council meeting, they passed an ordinance requiring all of us when out in public to wear a mask or facial covering (unless a person has a specific medical reason not to). We are still reviewing the ordinance to fully understand how the council would like it enforced; however, we are hopeful that citizens will comply out of care and compassion for their fellow Memphians.

I know you’re getting tired of me asking, begging almost, to wear a facial covering when you’re out in public. But, the fact of the matter is—it reduces the spread of the virus, and it’s not just me who believes this.

The “CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” And, Dr. Fauci recently said, “When you have crowds of people together and you have the lack of wearing a mask that increases the risk of there being transmissibility. I have no doubt about that.”

I know it’s frustrating and it’s scary to have to deal with this. But, it is the card we have been dealt, and unfortunately without continuing to take these precautions, the virus will continue to rapidly spread throughout our community and would bring our economy back to a standstill. None of us want either of those to happen.

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: June 17, 2020

COVID-19 Cases
Shelby County Cases	7244
Deaths	146
Total Tested in Shelby County	101,532
Tennessee Total Cases	32,143 *As of 2:00 p.m. 6/17/20
Other Jurisdictions:
Tipton County, TN	525
Desoto County, MS	740
Crittenden County, AR	545
Numbers current as of 10:00 a.m. 6/17/2020

Shelby County Health Department is tracking clusters in facilities that serve certain vulnerable populations:

Here is information about clusters considered to be resolved. A cluster is considered resolved once a facility has gone 28 days without a new case.

Here is the most recent testing and case information provided by the Shelby County Division of Corrections:

The testing positivity rate is the percentage of all tests conducted that are found to be positive. The chart below shows Shelby County’s testing positivity rates over time, as of June 16, 2020.

Shelby County Health Department has added a data page to its COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.  It includes information about the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

All of Shelby County, including the municipalities and the unincorporated areas are under Safer at Home orders. Some non-essential businesses may reopen under the guidance of Shelby County Health Directive #4, issued on May 18, 2020, which can be viewed here:  www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

For more information about the Safer at Home order or to register concerns, the public may contact:

· The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300

· The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

· Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.