A preliminary plan for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines prioritizes vulnerable populations and areas hard hit by the virus.

The day’s positivity rate was above 11%.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Shelby County Health Department reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases in a week. 

Three employees with Better Days Tax Service have been charged with wire fraud, accused of scamming $1.1 million from a COVID-19 loan relief program aimed at helping small businesses impacted by the pandemic. 

The Shelby County Health Department reported 287 new coronavirus cases and two new related deaths on Monday, Oct. 19.

The White House quietly told Tennessee last week that “a statewide mask mandate must be implemented” to curb its growing spread of COVID-19.

Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,605 new cases, bringing the total number of cases since early March to 228,744. Six new deaths push the statewide toll to 2,909.

From Oct. 3 to Saturday, Oct. 17, the Shelby County Health Department reported an average of 155 new coronavirus cases and 3,039 test results each day, yielding a 5.1% positivity rate.

Shelby County’s 49 new COVID-19 cases came from 907 test results, yielding a 5.4% positivity rate. 

By Nov. 1, each state is to have identified sites where mass immunization clinics will be held. But plans are hard to make when vaccine requirements aren’t known.

For the second day this week, the Shelby County Health Department reported 250 or more new coronavirus cases. 

Three SCS board members said January is the earliest they feel comfortable reopening school buildings, especially as county health officials this week declared the virus’ autumn “surge” has arrived.

According to Health Department data, 13 is the age of the youngest COVID-19 fatality; 100 is the oldest.

Officials won’t identify where the employees work, while education association leadership says it’s too soon to discuss opening schools.

A member of Lee’s security detail tested positive Wednesday after saying he did not feel well. An online statement from the governor’s office says Lee has tested negative for the virus but is quarantining “out of an abundance of caution.” Lee said later he continues to serve from quarantine. The First Lady was to be tested later Wednesday.

That number, 203, is the highest since Sept. 23.

“COVID-19 is still a very much present danger to the people of Shelby County and can be found in virtually all parts of Shelby County,” said Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat.

In total, Shelby County’s reported coronavirus is now 33,481 cases, including 31,175 recoveries, 1,769 active cases and 537 deaths.

August 9 was the last time Shelby County reported new coronavirus cases in the 300-range; on that day it was 337.

The Shelby County Health Department issued a new health directive Monday, Oct. 12, that addresses evictions as well as the opening and closing of K-12 schools.

Shelby County’s reported coronavirus total is now 33,134 cases, including 31,081 recoveries, 1,516 active cases and 537 deaths.

The pandemic, combined with low interest rates, may be fueling home sales. At least among those who have job security.

The daily positivity rate Sunday was less than 3%.