Health leaders ponder masks, as more variants are found in Shelby County
New vaccine site opening in Shelby County By Kelly Roberts | April 29, 2021 at 5:32 PM CDT - Updated April 29 at 6:45 PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A COVID-19 variant playing a role in a massive surge in cases and deaths in India has been spotted in Shelby County.
That’s just one more issue for health officials to weigh when deciding what to do with the county’s mask mandate.
So far there has only been one report of the B1617 variant- the variant causing issues in India right now.
As for the mask mandate, there’s a chance we’ll know what is written in the next health directive by next week.
Tennessee Gov. asks for mask mandates, restrictions to be lifted by Memorial Day Governor says COVID-19 no longer public health crisis in Tennessee, wants remaining mask and business restrictions lifted statewide By Kelly Roberts | April 27, 2021 at 4:26 PM CDT - Updated April 27 at 7:37 PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Governor Bill Lee is trying to move the state into a new era, as he declares COVID-19 is no longer a statewide public health emergency for Tennessee.
He wants to see all mask mandates in the state gone by Memorial Day, but leaders in Shelby County arenât hinting at that happening.
Leeâs latest executive order ends local authority for counties operating under the state health department to make their own mask mandates. That does not include Shelby County and the six other metro health departments, but the governor is requesting any current mandates in those counties to be gone by the end of May.
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Surge in COVID cases increases push for more vaccinations
262 new COVID-19 cases reported in Shelby Co., health officials investigate surge By Kelly Roberts | April 15, 2021 at 5:19 PM CDT - Updated April 15 at 7:01 PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - You could get paid to get your COVID-19 vaccine this weekend.
The City of Memphis is handing out tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards to those getting vaccinated at the Pipkin Building this weekend.
On Friday and Saturday, the first 2,500 people in line to get their shot will get a $20 Kroger or Walmart gift card. You do not need a reservation.
After going all day Wednesday allowing vaccinations without an appointment at the Pipkin Building, the City of Memphis has extended it to the rest of the week.
Shelby Co. health leaders encourage COVID-19 testing as UK strain becomes leading variant
UK strain of COVID-19 is now dominant in Shelby County By Camille Connor | April 13, 2021 at 7:44 PM CDT - Updated April 13 at 7:47 PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Shelby County Health Department continues to track variants of COVID-19 that are appearing in the county.
For those who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 in Shelby County, chances are it is the UK strain of the virus.
”The B117 is now the dominant strain. It’s the most commonly circulating strain in the community,” said Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat.