Local COVID deaths near 1,000, Shelby waiting on more vaccine doses
The Shelby County Health Department reported 31 more coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, Jan. 7.
The Shelby County Health Department reported 31 more coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, Jan. 7.
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 Health Department expects to double down on enforcement, targeting workplaces associated with spread, including warehouses and other industrial settings.
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 Shelby County Commission votes Monday, Jan. 11, on the proposed $2.5 million fund drawn from county reserves.
The tension between the Memphis leader and state officials illustrates the differences in how Tennesseans are responding to school safety concerns related to the virus.
More than 1,000 Shelby Countians are now reported to have died from the novel coronavirus.
Appointments may be made online, now. People without internet access may call 901-222-SHOT to schedule an appointment beginning Monday at 8 a.m.
Portal will not reduce demand for the shot or scarcity of supply, but is expected to eliminate long lines, disappointment.
As of Wednesday, 40% of Tennessee’s 95 counties had moved into the priority group that includes teachers. Those areas have smaller populations and fewer health care workers to inoculate after years of rural hospital closures.
Variant doesn’t appear to be more virulent but could ramp reproduction rate here from 1.07 to 1.57 and dramatically increase deaths.
From Dec. 26, 2020 to Jan. 9, 2021, the Health Department reported an average of 601 cases and 3,870 test results a day yielding a 15.5% positivity rate.
The 552 coronavirus cases reported Saturday came from 4,752 test results, yielding a 11.6% positivity rate. The health department also announced that all vaccine appointments for January have been filled.
Shelby County Health Department reported 639 new cases from more than 4,300 tests. Eight deaths were reported, bringing the total to 1,024.
Delivery and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine is just another step on the long road toward herd immunity. Getting there will require a level of effectiveness apart from the vaccine itself. History will judge leaders’ success as we all pursue a return to the “old” normal.
All slots for January are currently filled.
Through January, the Shelby County Health Department will be vaccinating in a drive-thru line at the Pipkin Building.