As part of its response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has launched several communications resources to assist Shelby County residents to prepare for the potential spread of the virus to the community, according to Joan Carr, public information officer for the SCHD.
There are no confirmed or suspect cases in Shelby County, Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi at this time, and the risk to the general public here is thought to be low, she said. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported suspected person-to-person spread of the virus in certain U.S. communities among persons who have not recently traveled out of the country. “The SCHD urges municipalities, government leaders, faith leaders, school administrators, business leaders and individuals to plan for the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus to our County,” she said.
The Health Department has compiled informational resources on a COVID-19 page on its website www.shelbytnhealth.com. The webpage features specific information and recommendations for health care providers, individuals and families, organizers of community events, business leaders and schools.
The Health Department has also launched a hotline number: 692-7523, for specific questions, requests for technical assistance, and requests for speakers at community meetings and events. The number is staffed during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-hours calls will be returned on the next business day.
“Your Shelby County Health Department works year-round to prepare for potential public health threats like the COVID-19 outbreak. We, along with partnering agencies and organizations in government and health care, stand ready to protect the people of Shelby County if the virus spreads to our community,” added Ms. Carr.
