Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department health officer, started off Thursday’s Memphis and Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force briefing by reporting four new COVID-19 deaths.

Randolph said the 235 new cases represents a downward trend of new cases. He mentioned that we were previously averaging 400 cases a day at one point last month.

He re-emphasized the importance of wearing a mask or facial covering.

Talking about contact sports, Randolph mentioned Gov. Bill Lee’s executive order, allowing for schools and school districts to permit or not permit the return of contact sports, as well as TSSAA guidelines.

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Randolph on University of Memphis football allowing a limited number of people being able to attend games this season: He said the number of people will be limited by the distance in which they sit. They have to be at least 12 feet apart.

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He said he was told by the university they would allow 4,500 people to attend the games at The Liberty Bowl.

He said the reason for 12-feet separation is that several studies have shown when people yell, cheer or sing they project respiratory saliva or virus further than 6 feet. He said it could go as far as 27 feet in some cases.

Randolph said the Back to Business group found a compromise and that’s how they came up with 12 feet. Facial coverings will still be required as well.

He said similar regulations are in place at AutoZone Park for Memphis 901 FC matches.

Randolph said they are trying to balance safety with some return to normalcy. 

He said on non-school-sanctioned contact sports (like pee wee football), Randolph interprets based on the executive order that non-sponsored school activities must follow state guidelines.

He said the executive order gives the Health Department authority over facilities and venues to adhere to the health directive as far as COVID-19 safety measures.

Randolph said just because something is legally permitted, does not mean it’s medically recommended.

“As things become more open, we’re relying on you, your own judgement to decide whether or not you should attend or participate in certain activities,” he said.

He said parents have to decide whether or not to allow their children to play contact sports, don’t rely just on coaches.

On going to vote, Randolph said you should take the same precautions at the poll as you would at Kroger.

Average test turnaround time is about four days right now, Randolph said.

On tripwires, Randolph said they are likely to incorporate them into a future health directive.

He said the overall COVID-19 numbers are a good sample of the population and who is affected by this virus.

Randolph said the overall COVID-19 numbers are a good sample of the population and who is affected by this virus.

Hospitalization numbers will fluctuate from time to time, Randolph said. He reminded the public that people are in the hospital for reasons other than coronavirus.

Randolph said he can’t answer on current testing capacity, but the goal remains 2,400 tests a day.

Randolph said they are aware of coronavirus transmission occurring at family gatherings. He said family members need to practice safety measures at these gatherings.

He said they would have to see a 28-day downward trend before making any decisions on potential changes.

He closed the briefing by encouraging those to live in a safe and healthy manner while trying to enjoy life.