COVID-19 testing will ramp up Friday, April 17, as the city moves into more areas with mobile testing, Mayor Jim Strickland said Wednesday, April 15.

Mayor Jim Strickland takes his budget proposal to the Memphis City Council in one week for the new fiscal year that starts July 1. And the unknown factor is how much sales tax revenue the city will lose in the shutdown of many businesses as nonessential during the pandemic.

The working capital for small businesses is partially a response to complaints from local businesses that they either can't reach the Small Business Administration or their bankers for help in getting federal stimulus funds or they have been denied the federal funding.

Hard-hit Latino families formed a 2.5-mile line and waited for hours Friday morning to receive a week's worth of free groceries. COVID-19 hardships are growing even as Memphis nonprofits report a $32 million drop so far this year in revenue.

COVID-19 Task Force briefing revealed rate of the novel coronavirus spread is slowing, but officials reiterate that citizens shouldn't relax on social distancing.

The director of the city's division of Housing and Community Development said on "Behind The Headlines" that Wi-Fi access for students living in public housing is a challenge that has become more acute with classes suspended in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former City Council member Florence Leffler died this week, ending a life as an educator, actress and politician and sometimes a blend of all three.

Mayor Jim Strickland plans to keep his April 21 date to present his budget proposal for the new fiscal year to the city council as his administration evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 virus on sales tax revenues that finance some of the city's biggest construction projects.

The council's second online meeting includes a pared-down agenda of 17 items and a committee discussion on changes to the city's upcoming budget season that means no council community grants.

Stephanie Lepone and Ginna Rauls helped organize a sewing group that fixed over 20,000 damaged masks discovered by Baptist employees. 

The mayor extended the Memphis' state of emergency through April 21 and said the city is preparing for a second emergency field hospital, also arranging for housing and testing of the homeless population .

Following restrictions set in place by Mayor Jim Strickland, public park-goers appear to be adhering to social distancing standards.

Social distancing is creating big challenges for local organizations that provide services and meals to the needy in Memphis.

In the Saturday afternoon address, a Shelby County Health Department official provided context for the importance of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland's "Safer in Place" executive order as well as updates and responses to local cases and national health recommendations.

As the coronavirus threat heads toward an expected surge later this month that could overwhelm the county’s healthcare system, experts fear the potentially life-threatening outbreak at Carriage Court could be a bellwether for the county’s 58 licensed nursing homes and assisted care facilities, several situated in some of Memphis’ poorest communities.

If you have been tested for COVID-19, isolate as if you are positive.

The head of Memphis Tourism said on "Behind The Headlines" that the recovery of the tourism sector in the city could stretch into 2022. Kevin Kane was appointed recently to a state task force on the economic recovery from COVID-19.

Frayser church volunteers its property to become needed testing site in the neighborhood. 

The state plans to build a temporary hospital of non-acute care beds at the Gateway Shopping Center on Jackson Avenue. Other sites are being evaluated.

“This is not just a recommendation but a requirement supported in law,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, health department medical officer.

Assisted-living and nursing home facilities are on high alert after coronavirus outbreaks at Carriage Court in Memphis and a more widespread cluster at a Gallatin center. 

The Health Department made public some social-distancing guidelines that golf courses should follow if they want to operate. But the eight public courses in the City of Memphis will remain closed.

Rain Tuesday morning helped decrease the crowds in some parks after the city also closed some roads into and through city parks. The parks remain open but are battling sunshine and pandemic cabin fever to moderate the crowds. And planners are working on life after COVID-19 at Tom Lee Park.

The Memphis mayor also announced he is closing access roads to and in city parks, including Riverside Drive by Tom Lee Park, to discourage large crowds like those that gathered last week during two sunny days. The move stops short of closing city parks outright, but Strickland said he is willing to consider that too.

Some local golf courses are open but imposing social-distancing precautions.