Local COVID deaths near 1,000, Shelby waiting on more vaccine doses
First responder Marvin Render receives a COVID-19 vaccine from Abbott Moses at the Shelby County Health Department office Jan. 3, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The Shelby County Health Department reported 31 more coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, Jan. 7. The 31 deaths have deaths dates ranging from Dec. 11 through Jan. 5.
The agency also reported 613 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 71,728, including 63,985 inactive cases (recoveries), 6,759 active cases and 984 deaths.
The 613 cases come from 5,097 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 12%.
(Courtesy: Shelby County Health Department)
On the vaccination front, the Health Department said this morning it was administering the last of its first allotment of vaccines from the state and was awaiting word of when and how much more vaccine would arrive, despite its multiple requests.
The agency said that when it receives more information, that it will be provided, and that when additional vaccine is received it would administer it using the phases established by the state.
This week, the vaccines were used in assisted living and other congregate living settings. No drive-thru sites were operating.
So far, according to the Health Department, about 24,700 Shelby Countians have received a vaccine dose.
There were 661 COVID-positive people in area hospital beds, as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Tennessee Healthcare Resource Tracking System.
According to the HRTS, 95% of area intensive care unit and 94% of area acute care beds were in use.
About 43% of patients in area ICU beds were either COVID-positive (164) or suspected of having the coronavirus (5).
About 25% of patients in area acute care beds were either COVID-positive (497) or suspected of having the coronavirus (57).
And 23 area ICU and 152 area acute care beds were available.
Bed capacity is calculated by subtracting beds occupied by patients, unstaffed beds and beds that are otherwise unavailable.
The capacity figures are inclusive of all hospital facilities in Shelby, Tipton and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee, as well as facilities in Crittenden County, Arkansas, and DeSoto County, Mississippi.
The state Department of Health releases statewide coronavirus figures at 2 p.m. daily.
As of January 6, the Tennessee reported case total was 625,237, including 7,381 deaths, 3,332 current hospitalizations and 548,838 are inactive cases (recoveries).
About 5.7 million coronavirus tests have been performed in Tennessee.
Topics
coronavirus Shelby County Health Department Tennessee Department of HealthElle Perry
A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.
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