The Shelby County Commission votes Monday, Jan. 11, on the proposed $2.5 million fund drawn from county reserves. 

Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, one of the city’s leading experts on the COVID-19 virus, says state and local officials need to figure out a vaccine pipeline that can keep the vaccine coming while not forgetting about the importance of testing. 

The Health Department expects to double down on enforcement, targeting workplaces associated with spread, including warehouses and other industrial settings.

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 Shelby County Health Department reported 31 more coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, Jan. 7. 

Even as the COVID-19 vaccine supply in Shelby County remains low, discussion is ongoing about how to ensure when that changes how it’s distributed in an accessible way to all communities countywide.

Related Story: Black community leaders combat distrust in COVID vaccine

Related Story: OPINION: Suburbs deserve vaccine locations too

A fraught relationship between African Americans and the medical community has meant an uphill battle in building trust for the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are those in the community working to bridge that gap. 

The EDGE board approves more grant money for restaurants and grocers that are affected by the pandemic and the latest restrictions.

The Shelby County Health Department says more than 24,000 COVID-19 shots have been given in Shelby County so far.

The Shelby County Health Department is vaccinating residents and staff of assisted living and other congregate facilities this week. No drive-thru vaccination sites are operating.

Harris took the proposal for grants of $1,000 per qualified worker to commission committee sessions Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Grants for distressed businesses also got a share of the funding after a council debate. And the council mediated a call by a restaurant owner to MLGW to work out payment plans with the industry.

The coronavirus is spreading faster in Tennessee than just about anywhere, but the state is also vaccinating residents faster than the national average. Locally, however, officials are awaiting smoother and more consistent distribution from the state to improve the situation. 

COVID-19 is now the third-leading cause of death in Shelby County and has killed five times more people than the 173 who succumbed to complications from influenza in 2019.

Suburban leaders want to make sure the vaccine is accessible to residents when it’s their turn.

The Health Department reported 390 new coronavirus cases and 20 new coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

The county is in phase 1a1 of the state’s vaccination plan but the Health Department has been offering vaccinations to funeral/mortuary workers and those 75 and older when vaccines have been available. 

Director Alisa Haushalter says the early days of the rollout are going to be bumpy and people will have to make their vaccination plans based on where and to whom the shots are being given that day.

Our running list of questions and answers has been updated with more locations where people can get vaccinated.

Drive-thru sites were busy all weekend; the Health Department will announce later this week when and where drive-thru sites will reopen. 

The health department reported 344 new cases from 2,021 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 17%.

Funeral workers and those 75 and older became eligible for the vaccine this week. Sunday they turned out to get their first dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Shelby County reported 978 cases Sunday from 5,904 tests. There were no new fatalities reported Sunday.

We chose five responses from readers to The Daily Memphian article A year to forget? Here are 20 good things we’ll remember about 2020. Robin Lemmonds finds reason for gratitude despite being diagnosed with cancer and losing a special friend. Penny Glidewell got to know her neighbors. And Dana Turner is glad we’re washing our hands.

Shelby County Health Department officials say they are vaccinating funeral and mortuary employees as well as people 75 and older when there is availability. Meanwhile, officials reported 1,020 new coronavirus cases from 5,933 test results, yielding a 17.2% positivity rate.