Coronavirus live blog, May 28: State hits 400,000 coronavirus tests
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May 28, 2020
State hits 400,000 coronavirus tests
Gov. Bill Lee said Thursday the state hit a “benchmark” by administering its 400,000th COVID-19 test across the state..
”That means 6% of our population has stepped forward and asked for a test and received one,” Lee said during his press briefing.
In addition, the state has shipped 1.4 million pieces of personal protective equipment to first responders and healthcare workers in all 95 counties, the governor said.
The governor announced the return of live sports to Tennessee with plans for non-contact sports to be revived. Bristol Motor Speedway will hold the Food City 500 this weekend.
Read MoreShelby County Sheriff’s Office announces court reopening plan
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, May 28, announced new rules, including wearing a mask, for anyone coming to court at the three county courthouses.
The courthouses are expected to open next week if reopening plans are approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
In addition to wearing masks, everyone entering will have to enter and exit through designated areas, SCSO spokesman John Morris announced in a video Thursday.
Read MoreWatch Gov. Bill Lee’s press briefing
Gov. Bill Lee’s coronavirus press briefing is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Watch below:
State issues guidelines for non-contact sports, summer camps, higher ed
Gov. Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group issued new guidelines Thursday for non-contact sports, camps and higher education under the Tennessee Pledge in most of the state.
Six counties – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – may continue to follow individual reopening plans created in consultation with state and local health departments.
“We’re able to continue reopening our state thanks to the sustained efforts by Tennesseans to social distance and mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Lee said. “It’s important we continue to take personal responsibility for our health and the health of our neighbors, while recognizing and honoring the need for Tennesseans to get back to work and support their families.”
Under Executive Order No. 38 issued May 22, non-contact sports may resume under certain precautions, including efforts to maintain social distancing, wearing masks when feasible and adding sanitization measures. Sports that may return under the current guidelines include but are not limited to baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, disc golf, tennis and racket sports, cycling, track and field and other running events, and equestrian. Contact sports such as football, wrestling and hockey are not permitted, except for practicing in a manner that does not involve close physical contact with other persons.
Read MoreEssential workers will have free child care at more community centers
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland started off today’s COVID-19 task force briefing talking about child care. He said they’ve been working closely with the YMCA to find a solution.
Starting June 8, YMCA will offer free child care at eight community centers in Memphis for essential workers. Eventually, the plan is to have free child care at 23 community centers.
More specific information on what an “essential” worker is can be found on the YMCA of Memphis of the Mid-South website.
CEO Jerry Martin said in partnership with the city they will be able to serve an additional 2,000 kids. They are currently serving about 700.
Read MoreWatch today’s COVID-19 Joint Task Force briefing
Today’s Memphis and Shelby Joint COVID-19 Joint Task Force meeting is scheduled for noon and set to feature Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South CEO Jerry Martin.
Watch below:
Shelby County confirms 122 new cases with positive rate spike
Shelby County reported 122 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, May 28, and an increase in the daily positive rate, according to Shelby County Health Department data.
The positivity rate of 1,419 new tests reported was 8.6%, nearly two percentage points higher than the overall rate of 6.8%.
Testing did increase by nearly 600 from Wednesday, when 821 tests were confirmed.
Shelby County reported 4,703 coronavirus cases, 105 deaths and 3,271 recoveries as of Thursday.
Read MoreHow cases are growing in Shelby County and Tennessee
Read More
Local and state coronavirus cases, tests and recoveries
May 27, 2020
Church Health testing Friday part of outreach to Hispanic community
On Friday, May 29, Church Health and St. Michael Catholic Church will offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 3-7 p.m. in the St. Michael’s parking lot, 3863 Summer.
Testing is available to anyone, with or without symptoms.
Bilingual staff from Church Health will be on-site to facilitate testing. The Mid-South Food Bank will provide groceries to people who are tested, and ensure they have adequate supplies while waiting on test results and for those who test positive and must self-quarantine.
Call Church Health, (901) 272-0003, to make an appointment. All participants must have ID and contact information to receive testing.
Read MoreCooper-Young Fest announces new date
This year’s Evolve Bank & Trust Cooper-Young Festival will be held on Halloween this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 festival is now scheduled 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
“It will be step back in time for us since our very first festival was celebrated on Halloween weekend back in 1988,” said Tamara Cook, executive director, of the Cooper-Young Business Association. “Cheers to cooler weather.”
The original date for this year’s festival was Sept. 19.
Read More
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