The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available, but many people are still deciding against vaccination – at least for now. The moment of urgency has passed and instead has been replaced by a relaxed attitude, even as the Delta variant spreads and puts unvaccinated people at risk for severe illness and even death. 

Volunteers and employees of office of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris targeted the 38128 ZIP code in North Memphis, because of its prominent Spanish speaking-population, citing a disparity in local vaccination rates among Hispanic communities. 

But national headlines alleging the state is anti-vaccine don’t sit well with lawmakers and elected officials. Many say the difference between promoting vaccines and simply educating residents, particularly minors, is a fine line.

The positivity rate has tripled since July 1, to 8.9%. The majority of cases are the Delta variant, which is 50% to 60% more contagious than the B.1.1.7 strain that was dominant here from mid-March 2021 to early July.

County Mayor Lee Harris plans to nominate a pediatrician and White Station High School graduate as the Shelby County Health Department’s next director. 

Employees may receive the vaccine on the St. Jude campus. Those who received it off campus are to submit verification to the hospital before returning to work. 

“In keeping with our mission, we will continue to provide a comprehensive vaccination program for Shelby County residents of all ages,” Shelby County’s acting Health Department director said. 

Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the top vaccine official at the Tennessee Department of Health, confirmed in a statement Monday, July 12, that she has been fired.

In addition to helping with back-to-school paperwork for kids, adults can get copies of birth certificates, and free COVID shots from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 at the health department.

Health officials say Shelby County is at the beginning of a new surge of COVID cases, and the Delta variant is prevalent.

When distancing is not possible, schools are asked to layer other protections to cover the students 12 and under are not vaccinated.

The new directive omits recommendations on how drinking fountains were to be cleaned in the pandemic, eliminating confusion about whether they can be open. They can.

On Thursday, July 8, the agency reported 88 new coronavirus cases.

The reproductive rate of coronavirus in Shelby County is now 1.22, the highest since June 25, 2020. The seven-day average positivity rate is now 4.5%, up from 2.9% on July 1, 2021.

People with compromised immune systems should talk to their doctor about a third dose, Dr. Manoj Jain says.

Independence Day gatherings and parades mark a return to near-normalcy. But COVID-19 cast a shadow on July 4, as 66 new cases pushed Shelby County over the 100,000 mark. Many are the highly contagious Delta variant.

The Shelby County Health Department reports more than 400 active coronavirus cases in Shelby County.

Students and staff have been notified; campus leaders will help those who have difficulty getting access.

Coronavirus case rates are down 30% in the last 14 days.

A Washington University study published Monday, June 28, also showed a heightened immune response for people who had the disease and later were vaccinated.

Some long or long-haul COVID patients are finding help and hope through a combination of specialized treatments. And “hope is a powerful, powerful thing,” says Dr. Moacir Schnapp.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced some revenue streams to a trickle at four-year colleges and universities. But coming out of the pandemic, administrators believe they are smarter and more efficient. “Really, what the pandemic did is it accelerated the pace of change,” said U of M President M. David Rudd.

Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat is joining the Mecklenburg County Health Department in North Carolina.

With the Delta coronavirus variant 50% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, Shelby County Health Department deputy director David Sweat said the summer could be “rough” for those who are not vaccinated or have not already had the coronavirus.

Watch the Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force Briefing live now.