In its daily report (3.16.29), the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) reports no additional cases of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shelby County but seven more cases in Tennessee and ten fewer persons under public health monitoring in Shelby County, according to Joan Carr, SCHD public information officer.
A day ago, there were 32 cases in Tennessee and 133 persons being monitored, according to the SCHD.
Shelby County currently has two confirmed COVID-19 cases. The second case is connected to the first. There is no evidence of community transmission of the virus at this time. However, case numbers have increased throughout the state, to 39, increasing our level of concern.
As of today, 33 people in Shelby County have been approved for testing by the Tennessee Department of Health state lab. That number does not include testing by private labs.
Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued two important recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is now recommended that all events for 50 or more persons be cancelled or postponed for the next eight weeks throughout the country. However that guidance doesn’t apply to schools, universities or businesses.
Also yesterday, the CDC recommended that all persons defer any travel on cruise ships, including river cruises. Deferring such travel is especially important for older adults and all people with serious chronic medical conditions, who are most vulnerable to serious illness due to COVID-19 infection.
Messages for Individuals:
Together we all have a role to play to help contain the spread of this virus. Now is the time for everyone to carefully evaluate daily activities to limit social contacts and gatherings where exposure can occur:
- Practice social distancing – avoid handshakes and close contact with others when possible.
- Stay at home if possible. While Shelby County School students are out of school, keep children home and plan home-based activities.
- Do not go to work or school if you are sick, especially with fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms.
- Re-evaluate travel plans. If traveling overseas, check the CDC’s travel advisory website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. If traveling within the U.S., avoid destinations where COVID-19 has been reported.
- Avoid non-essential flights. Traveling by private vehicle limits exposure to other people.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub dirt under fingernails with a brush and soap.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by using a tissue if coughing or sneezing, then throwing the tissue away and washing your hands.
- Sanitize surfaces that are frequently touched by many people with anti-bacterial wipes or diluted bleach solution.
Messages for Community/Business Leaders:
- Consider conducting conferences or meetings by phone or video chat rather than face-to-face.
- Evaluate what meetings or community gatherings can be cancelled or postponed to a later date.
- Consider what work tasks can be completed through telecommuting to limit person-to-person interactions as much as possible.
The Health Department has activated a call center to answer questions about COVID-19 seven days a week. The hotline number is 833-943-1658. That number is staffed during regular business hours, Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-hours calls are returned promptly on the next business day.
The Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage also has a new easy-to-remember link: shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus. The page includes useful information about the virus and links to resources for individuals, families, businesses and faith communities.
