Michigan State Rep. Tested Positive for COVID-19, Says Hydroxychloroquine Helped Save Her Life

By

-

04/07/2020

lpzs2fsgk4d3yrwx0u6e — State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) reads to students at Mann Learning Community in celebration of March is Reading Month on Friday, March 29, 2019. (Photo: Michigan House Democrats(

by Zack Linly —

As President Trump continues to push the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms, medical experts remain divided on the use of a drug that has yet to be proven as a safe and effective remedy for the virus. Despite the conflicting narratives, one Democratic state representative appears to be convinced of the drug’s efficacy.

According to Detroit Free Press, Detroit State Rep. Karen Whitsett learned Monday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and she credits hydroxychloroquine in aiding her fight with the disease.

Whitsett said she was prescribed the drug by her doctor after she and her husband sought treatment for a number of symptoms and had been taking it since the end of March. She claims that in “less than two hours” she started to feel relief from symptoms that included shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes and sinus issues, though she is still experiencing headaches.

Whitsett was already familiar with hydroxychloroquine, having used it when she was battling Lyme disease, but she credits Trump’s promotion of the drug as the reason she thought to ask her doctor for it to treat her recent symptoms.

“It has a lot to do with the president…bringing it up,” Whitsett said. “He is the only person who has the power to make it a priority.”

Of course, Trump didn’t waste any time making certain that his Twitter followers knew of his apparent success, telling Whitsett that he is “So glad you are getting better.”

So far, any evidence that hydroxychloroquine helps treat coronavirus has been anecdotal at best. So it can’t be emphasized enough that medical health professionals still do not agree on whether it actually works or not and whether it has been studied closely enough. In fact, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the administration’s top infectious disease specialist, has repeatedly advised against the president touting it as such.

“I think we’ve got to be careful that we don’t make that majestic leap to assume that this is a knockout drug,” Dr. Fauci told Fox News on Friday. “We still need to do the kinds of studies that definitively prove whether any intervention, not just this one, any intervention is truly safe and effective.”

It has also been suggested that Trump stands to gain financially from the drug’s use.

From the New York Times:

If hydroxychloroquine becomes an accepted treatment, several pharmaceutical companies stand to profit, including shareholders and senior executives with connections to the president. Mr. Trump himself has a small personal financial interest in Sanofi, the French drugmaker that makes Plaquenil, the brand-name version of hydroxychloroquine.

As long as there are people like Rep. Whitsett who may have actually been helped by the drug and publicly advocate for its use, Trump will likely continue to ignore the naysayers in the medical community and continue aggressively selling it as a remedy.

When asked if she thinks Trump may have saved her life by promoting the drug, Whitsett said, “Yes, I do,” and “I do thank him for that.”

(Zack Linly is a poet, performer, freelance writer, blogger and grown man lover of cartoons.)

TSD COVID-19 Flash! — The numbers, stay-at-home order violation, TV literacy lessons for SCS students, Cardi B donates, more

By

Karanja A. Ajanaku

-

04/06/2020

0

GSWE_0379 — Interactions such as this at the U.S. Post Office on B.B. King Blvd. reflect the need for precautions warranted by the coronavirus spread. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow)

Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Daily Update: April 6

Shelby County had 789 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Sunday at 10 a.m. The total number of deaths in Shelby County attributed to COVID-19 was 13.

Tennessee man charged with violating coronavirus order

(AP) — A 28-year-old Memphis man has been charged with violating the governor’s stay-at-home coronavirus order after a confrontation with officers at a birthday party.

Jeremial Lee also was charged Saturday with disorderly conduct, marijuana possession and a possessing a gun without a permit, Memphis police said in an affidavit.

Officers responded to a call of shots being fired Saturday evening and found a large crowd gathered for the party in spite of the Republican governor’s order to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.

Jeremial Lee “became upset because of being told to leave” and threatened an officer, the affidavit said.

Another officer found a gun and what appeared to be marijuana in Lee’s possession, police said. Lee did not have a gun permit with him, police said.

Jeremial Lee was arrested and released on his own recognizance. His arraignment is pending.

Gov. Bill Lee’s guidance to law enforcement on carrying out the order says officers should first seek to educate, then warn, then give the opportunity to comply, and if needed, take further steps including charging violators with a misdemeanor.

The emergency order law is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

(Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.)

AllMemphis, SCS team to provide literacy lessons on C19TV

ALLMemphis and Shelby County Schools (SCS) have joined forces to provide high-quality multisensory foundational literacy lessons to kindergarteners, first-graders, and second-graders on C19TV while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALLMemphis will provide three lessons per day, one appropriate for each grade, which will air every Monday through Wednesday. Kindergarten lessons will air each day at 8 a.m.; first-grade lessons at 9 a.m.; and second-grade lessons at noon.

The televised reading lessons began on March 30 and will continue until schools reopen.

ALLMemphis, a nonprofit organization that trains teachers and literacy coaches using its research-based, data-driven approach to reading instruction, had already begun offering its signature literacy lessons online via its Facebook page in response to local school closures.

“We are pleased to work with ALLMemphis to add these televised lessons to the remote-learning options available to our students and families,” said Shelby County Schools (SCS) Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray.

“While our schools are closed, it’s very important that students continue to participate in learning activities so they don’t fall behind. We are happy to be able to add the ALLMemphis lessons to our growing list of instructional resources that can be accessed easily from home.”

Dr. Krista Johnson, executive director of ALLMemphis, said the nonprofit was founded in 2017 to “address inequity in access to language and literacy instruction, and we remain deeply committed to educational equity during this uncertain and unprecedented time. …

“By working with SCS, we are able to reach students who don’t have access to a computer or the Internet and continue our mission to make previously exclusive reading instruction methods available to every child in our community.”

U.S. ‘wasted’ months before preparing for virus pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — After the first alarms sounded in early January that an outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China might ignite a global pandemic, the Trump administration squandered nearly two months that could have been used to bolster the federal stockpile of critically needed medical supplies and equipment.

A review of federal purchasing contracts by The Associated Press shows federal agencies largely waited until mid-March to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.

By that time, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for shipments from the Strategic National Stockpile. READ MORE

Cardi B Donates To NYC Medical Professionals Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Cardi B is giving back to those on the frontlines of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to TMZ, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper donated 20,000 bottles of OWYN — a plant-based, vegan meal supplement drink — to New York City-area hospitals for their medical staff and ambulance crews. A source told the outlet that “she wanted to help the workers who, in most cases, don’t even get a chance to eat during their shifts.”

As fans know, Cardi was recently hospitalized for a nasty stomach bug that caused her to drop six pounds in just a few days. However, she assured fans earlier this week that it was not COVID-19 related and she’s back home recovering. READ MORE

Virtual MLK commemoration strikes a real chord

By

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

-

04/05/2020

0

5virtualKingPreciousLord — Patrick Dailey was among several artists to answer the National Civil Rights Museum's call for videotaped renditions of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." The submissions were spliced together for a 5:19 performance of what often is referred to as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite. (Photo: Screen capture from civilrightsmuseum.org.)

“All in all, it was moving, emotional and representative of the kind of tribute deserving of MLK, 52 years after his assassination,” said Faith Morris, chief marketing & external affairs officer for the National Civil Rights Museum.

“We all held hands virtually, sheltering in place.”

On Saturday, the 52nd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) hosted a virtual commemoration for viewers who tuned in across the nation.

Dynamic excerpts of iconic speeches, moving spirituals and memorable celebrity music performances relived the poignant moments of the landmark 50th anniversary commemoration, staged in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to hold the traditional gathering around the balcony where Dr. King was gunned down.

Many Facebook Live viewers initially were unaware that the “live” was a series of video feeds of the celebration two years ago. Live texting by several viewers clarified the time frame when some concern was expressed about the lack of social distancing.

“Because of COVID-19, we could not have the commemoration as we usually do – from the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, which is now the site of our National Civil Rights Museum,” said Morris. “And so we went virtual and presented a weeklong commemoration: ‘#RememberingMLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.’”

Saturday’s observance was the culmination of this year’s anniversary remembrance. Civil rights figures and heavy hitters in peace and justice movements around the globe were featured on the virtual program.

Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, professor of History at Ohio State University, said the museum was built on “hallowed ground” to honor not only Dr. King, but also “a people who never surrendered their humanity though they were so long denied their human rights.”

Dr. James (Jim) Lawson, the civil rights movement strategist and tactician and former pastor of Centenary Methodist Church in Memphis, recalled the process of getting Dr. King here to support the strike by the city’s sanitation workers in 1968.

“After the assassination, every campaign for freedom and equality chips away at the cruelty of our land to reveal a more humane society,” said Lawson.

During the MLK50 Commemoration in Memphis in 2018, soul music legend Al Green capped the April 4th afternoon with a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Love and Happiness.” The Rev. Jesse Jackson caught the spirit as renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum set the musical pace. Unable to hold the traditional commemoration because of COVID-19, the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday presented a virtual celebration featuring MLK 50 moments (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

The national founder of the Operation PUSH/Rainbow Coalition, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, called the National Civil Rights Museum the “site of the crucifixion.”

“We went from this balcony to the White House balcony in 40 years,” Jackson said. “The same man who was called a communist, the same man who they said could not end war, today he is exalted. He is still alive. Let nothing break your spirit today.”

The commemoration was steeped in storytelling, revealing little-known facts and a deeper understanding of Dr. King.

Also included were: spirituals by the HBCU 105-Voice Choir, master harmonicist Frederic Yonnet, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vocalist Deborah Manning Thomas and rapper, Tyke T.

The speech portion of the observance ended with highlights from Dr. King’s last public address, now known as “The Mountaintop Speech,” delivered on April 3 at Mason Temple. His voice is heard delivering the celebrated, rhetorical finale:

“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live – a long life; longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Wendy Moten adds her vocals to the “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” collaboration featured on the virtual broadcast of “Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.” (Photo: Screen capture from civilrightsmuseum.org)

And then, perfectly timed, just as it happened on April 4, 2018, at 6:01 p.m., when the fatal shot rang out, bells began to toll as Dr. King’s favorite song – “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” – played.

Cameras panned the crowd, capturing the emotions of the moment.

Funerals evolve in times like these

By

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

-

04/05/2020

0

The deceased leave behind grieving family and friends, who gather for a last rite of passage: collective mourning and celebration. That was a month ago, before COVID-19 made a jarring – and often deadly – intrusion and before directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) became lifelines.

“With this coronavirus pandemic, nothing is the same as it was,” said Joe Ford of Joe Ford Funeral Home. “The state regulatory board strongly recommended that we adhere to guidelines passed down by the CDC.

“So, we can’t have loved ones and friends crowded into a church anymore. Only ten people are allowed in a church or chapel at one time.”

Ford and other Memphis-area funeral and cemetery professionals have been encouraged to tune their business operations to a message from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. All regulatory boards fall under this office, including the one directing policy for funeral directors, embalmers and burial services.

In part, the statement reads:

“As the rapid spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues throughout our state and nation, we understand that leads to questions on how to continue with your funeral or cemetery businesses… We encourage funeral providers to follow best practices in the conduct of your professional services and follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC, Tennessee Department of Health, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”

Limousine rides for family and close friends have been eliminated, said Ford. People are driving themselves to the venue. Only 10 family members are allowed in the church for funerals, now. Other family members and friends wait outside, social distancing as they listen to the service inside.

“The way we have been managing this small number is by rotating family members and friends in and out of the service,” said Ford. “We let family members decide who goes in first, and if, in fact, they would like to rotate various people in and out during the service. It’s just the way we have to do things now. This is our new normal.”

Inside the church, people are spaced at least six feet apart.

“Families lose a good deal of the intimacy and closeness of mourning their loved one together, but things are different right now,” Ford said. “We don’t know for how long, but this is just reality right now.”

Visitation – “the wake” – is not part of the new reality. Ford and other staff members wear masks to funeral services.

“We have been wearing white masks, but I ordered black ones from Amazon. This week, we will wear these. Black ones, I feel, look more formal and more professional.

“All of this is going to take some getting used to, but we’ll get through it. We just have to accept how things are and move on.”

The 10-person limit in a funeral service also is the new norm at M.J. Edwards, where Wendell Naylor is a funeral director.

“We are seeing some families livestream the service over YouTube Live, Facebook Live, or some other service on the Internet,” said Naylor.

“They will come in and set up a cell phone on a tripod, and people can go on their Facebook page or follow whatever instructions are given to be a part of the final services. The family posts the livestream prior to the service.”

Naylor said there will be no funerals open to the public for as long as the pandemic lasts. And as is the case at Joe Ford Funeral Home, limousines and visitations on the night before service are, for now, on hold.

Edgar Miller with N.J. Ford Funeral Home said that with the 10-person limitation it’s important to allow the family to decide as a unit how to handle the announcement of arrangements.

“Before this pandemic, we would post the time and date of funeral arrangements, but this is a different world we’re living in now,” said Miller. “We leave it up to the family to announce if they will livestream the funeral service, or how they will handle these new changes.

“There is no visitation, and no service will be open to the public. The family decides who will actually attend. But we continue to do what we can to create a memorable homegoing experience. Only 10 people allowed inside. That’s just what it is.”

Ford believes most changes are temporary, though no one knows for how long. He and his fellow funeral directors have one continuing-business path forward: evolve and adapt to the pandemic.

“I guess the closest thing I’ve seen to this COVID-19 is Hurricane Katrina (2005),” said Ford. “My son had just gone back to school and he lost all his belongings, every thing he had. I guess the event, itself, changed some things.

“With the virus, we may see more graveside services. We’re going to look into offering glass-top sealers so the deceased can still be viewed at the graveside. Things have changed, and we’ve got to find ways to give the family the best experience possible, even in these times.”

iMom: ‘Essential’ moms balance home-work roles

By

Special to TSDMemphis.com

-

04/05/2020

0

by Brittany Holst —

The “safer at home” orders mandated by Mayor Jim Strickland, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee have some mothers in “essential job” categories continuing to work while trying to maintain safe practices for themselves and their families.

While some of us are able to work remotely, decreasing potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus, there are mothers and expectant mothers, who, because of their job category, are unable to work from home.

So, for this column I set out to get the perspective of mothers out there on the frontline that are continuing to physically go to work and interact with people.

The backdrop, of course, are the COVID-19 virus numbers and, so far, they are shifting dizzyingly upwards.

As of Saturday afternoon, the Tennessee Department of Health reported 3,321 coronavirus cases in the state and 43 deaths.

The number of reported virus cases in Memphis and Shelby County has been steadily rising since the first case was reported here on March 8. As of Sunday morning, Shelby County Health Department officials said there had been 754 reported COVID-19 cases in Memphis-Shelby County and 11 deaths.

Brittany White prior to the pandemic and it’s life-altering consequences. (Courtesy photo)

Brittany White, who is expecting her first child, is a nuclear medicine technologist working in a branch of radiology. She is bracing for a local surge.

“This pandemic has truly thrown a wrench in our workflow. We have to cancel most of our outpatient procedures, cut hours and also help out more where help is needed.”

The medical field is constantly changing to adapt to new potentials that arise from COVID-19.

“Every day the protocol changes, not only in our department and how we care for patients, but for everyone all over the hospital, especially those who are in contact with patients and are hands-on for hours.”

Things could get worse before they get better, White said.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we are expecting a surge of patients to come in to all of the hospitals in Memphis and surrounding areas with the increase of cases,” she said.

Given that expectation, hospitals are having to come up with expansion plans to accommodate the increase in medical care.

“Now this pandemic does frighten me a little bit since everyday there is a new sign or symptom that comes about that we had no clue of,” said White. “I’m super afraid of being infected and passing it along to my unborn child and family. But I have a duty to serve and take care of those that can’t take care of themselves and I take my service to heart.”

JaLisa Fredrick, a mental health therapist, hard at work reviewing patient data. (Courtesy photo)

Mental health therapist JaLisa Fredrick, who works in the adolescent unit of a local behavioral health facility, is the mother of a three year old, Jayce.

“I am in constant worry about Jayce’s and my exposure to the virus due to my daily work with multiple people, ages 5 to 105, from all over Mississippi and Tennessee,” she said.

Precautionary measures include Fredrick sanitizing her cell phone several times a day and making sure she and Jayce wash their hands on a regular basis. They even take their shoes off before entering their home.

Like many children, Jayce has been wanting to go outside to play.

“It has been difficult trying to explain to a three year old why we cannot go to our neighborhood park in spite of the sunshine and warm weather.”

Nightly, they pray together, as many of us do, that “this tragedy meets triumph soon so we can all get back to normality.”

Amber Coble is a registered nurse at a local surgery center and the mother of a child with autism. Coble is temporarily furloughed and does not work as many hours as she used to because fewer surgeries are being approved because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of contracting the virus.

“At this moment as a healthcare provider, you are either on the frontline dealing with the sickness or not working much at all,” she said.

Coble recently was notified by the Germantown Municipal School District that schools will remain closed through April 24.

“All children need a routine, but with a child who is on the autism spectrum, routine and structure are critical,” she said.

“We are blessed that he is currently able to receive Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, as these therapists are considered essential employees. The service provides the structure he needs to maintain progress.

“At home, we practice learning skills, utilizing materials purchased from Amazon and online resources recommended by his teacher.”

Mothers and expectant mothers are putting themselves at risk to serve others, while trying to protect themselves and those close to them. Times are challenging and emotions can run high trying to balance it all.

As the iMom columnist for The New Tri-State Defender, I say “thank you” to every one of you working in healthcare, food, public service, supply chain management industries and all others deemed “essential.”

(Brittany Jackson was part of the first corps of iTeen reporters for The New Tri-State Defender. Now as Brittany Holst, her iMom column is a periodic look at motherhood through millennial eyes.)

TSD COVID-19 Flash! Numbers, grading changes, masks from China and social-distance violators

By

Karanja A. Ajanaku

-

04/04/2020

0

kaa.curbside2 — Scenes such as this outside a local hospital have become, hauntingly, all too familiar in Memphis as the effects of the novel coronavirus continue to strain healthcare systems. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Shelby County’s ride up the local slope of COVID-19 continues, with the latest reported information from the Shelby County Health Department showing 10 deaths among the 706 confirmed novel coronavirus cases.

Fifth death confirmed from outbreak at Tennessee nursing home

NASHVILLE — A fifth person has died from a coronavirus outbreak at a Tennessee nursing home that saw more than 100 people test positive. READ MORE

Credit-no-credit choice posed to UofM students

According to an email sent out this week by Dr. Tom Nenon, the University of Memphis’ executive vice president for Academic Affairs, the UofM is offering all students a credit/no credit grading system for the rest of the semester.

The grading system will remain the same, said Nenon, but students now will have the option between taking grades in all of their classes or opting for the credit/no credit system.

“This system is intended as a unique response to the unprecedented and unforeseeable events causing our transition to online classes”, Nenon said in the email.

Students have the option of keeping the grades they earn at the end of the semester, or they can opt for the credit/no credit option. Grades of credit will earn the same amount of credit as letter grades, but will not be factored into a student’s GPA, according to Nenon.

Students should confer with their academic advisors before making any decisions.

The UofM plans to return to its regular grading system for all classes over the summer and fall.

UTHSC receives donation of thousands of masks from partner institutions in China

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has received a donation of thousands of face masks from China, as a result of the university’s affiliations with academic institutions there.

UTHSC’s College of Graduate Health Sciences, which has developed strong ties with several academic and health care institutions in China, secured the donations. The donations include clinical masks and N95 masks.

Donald Thomason, PhD, dean of the College of Graduate Health Sciences, said the college has already received 2,000 masks from Hebei University and Hebei Medical University, and another 10,000 or more are on the way from Harbin Medical University. First Hospital of Qiqihar City, another partner of the college, is also sending masks.

Dr. Thomason said the college is determining how best to distribute the donated masks.

The initial delivery of 1,000 surgical masks came Tuesday morning, he said. Another shipment of 1,000 masks arrived Thursday. Additional shipments of personal protective equipment are also expected, along with masks.

“This is what the spirit of humanity looks like. It’s not about politics, not about personalities, simply the Golden Rule,” Dr. Thomason said.

“We do not have the capacity to bring millions of face masks to New York like the former NBA player (Stephon Marbury), but this may help in relieving somehow the burden on UTHSC,” said Dr. Weikuan Gu, PhD, professor of orthopaedic surgery.

Dr. Gu has been active, along with other faculty and staff, in developing UTHSC’s relationships with institutions in China.

“While the N95 masks are for clinical use, certain people at work, such as the police, supporting staff, and exponential personnel in the offices and labs, may really need to wear these general clinical face masks,” said Dr. Gu.

“Of course, wearing a mask must not be a substitute for a social distance. It is in addition to social distance. This will help prevent them from being infected and from infecting others.”

How to report social distance policy breakers

Health Director Alisa Haushalter mentioned in Friday’s briefing that there are several numbers the public can call for information and to register complaints/concerns about social distancing/Safer at Home orders.

Those numbers are:

The City of Memphis 3-1-1 line
The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300
The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658

And this is from Mayor Jim Strickland’s April 4 COVID-19 update:

Strickland: :I talked yesterday about the enforcement of the Safer at Home Order, and wanted to update you on our noncompliant numbers through yesterday.”

Total Original Complaints	125
Total Duplicate Complaints	22
First Visit Inspections Completed	98
In compliance 1st visit	68
Violations (Warnings) Issued	19
Re-inspection	27
*Placards Posted	1

*Placards posted is a notice posted on the business telling them to vacate the property until further notice.

The majority of businesses come into compliance quickly, Strickland said in the update.

“Of all the inspections, only one refused to comply, and code enforcement is going out daily to inspect new complaints.”

To file a complaint against a business or person not in compliance with the Safer at Home Order, call 311.

#ACCESS901: Don’t forget our businesses as we hunker down

By

Joy Doss

-

04/04/2020

0

Mahogany chef — Mahogany Chef Christoper Hudson (Photo: Isaac Singleton)

TSD #Access901 columnist Joy Doss. Photo: Demarcus Bowser

As we weather this “Ronapocolypse,” as my friend calls it, let’s try to support each other and our businesses as well. And on that front, I have some suggestions.

Pyramid Liquors: Owner Rick Farwell has been in the Downtown-Uptown space for several years now. The store has a full range of product. And – bonus – Rick is very knowledgeable about wines. See him for some really good recommendations. Call ahead for curbside. (901) 578-2773

My Cup of Tea: Straight Outta Orange Mound. They have so many varieties of teas! Hot tea can be calming and soothing, especially during these troubling times. Order online: www.shopmycupoftea.com.

Any Body Yoga: Yo Clark is the owner of this East Memphis yoga studio and is offering virtual classes online to help keep the anxiety – and Rona-induced splurge eating — at bay. She has been a practicing (and popular) yogi for

Follow on Instagram for updates and class times @anybodyyogamemphis or visit the website www.anybodyyogamemphis.com

Mahogany: Mahogany is open for curbside, delivery, in-restaurant pick up, which includes beer and wine to go! They are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Follow them on Instagram for the virtual DJ party details! @mahoganymemphisdining

To view the menu or order ahead: www.mahoganymemphis.com

My favorites: crab fingers, brussels sprouts, fried chicken, salmon croquettes, seafood pasta.

City Tasting Tours: The virtual food experience. Cristina McCarter has re-orged her walking tour to accommodate our social distancing requirements. You can have dinner for two delivered from three of South Main’s most revered restaurants while watching the tour via an exclusive video link. No contact delivery. Visit www.citytastingtours.com for more details!

Curry N Jerk: For something different and delicious, visit this Jamaican eatery located in Downtown Memphis. Curbside pick up available. Oxtails! Visit the website for the menu and options: currynjerk.com

Dee O’s Seafood: Conveniently located in Midtown and Cordova. Offering all of the seafood you could want – shrimp bowls, crab legs, lobster, salmon filets, shrimp boil, fried catfish. Everything! Call ahead to order. 901.443.5312

Trap Fusion: Situated right in the heart of the “The Haven” (WhiteBlackhaven that is), Trap Fusion offers options in the somewhat of a food dessert. They serve mostly healthy alternatives to your garden variety fast food options in the area.

My faves: jerk chicken fettucine alfredo, roated broccoli, trap wings, stuffed turkey burger.

Call ahead to order. (901) 207-5565 Follow them or Facebook or Instagram for menus, specials. @trapfusion901

The Wing Factory: Sometimes you just gotta have some chicken wings! Memphis has no shortage of chicken joints but the Wing Factory serves up some of the city’s best, especially the honey gold/honey hot and the seasoned wings. Worth the quick run over to “The Mound” or Orange Mound, TN as my mama calls it.

Call ahead to order. 901-454-4710

Tutor Memphis: I highly recommend Cicely Odom Rose if you need a little help as we all are saddled with figuring out homeschooling out of the clear blue. My own daughter has greatly improved under her watchful eye. During this period, she is working with kids over FaceTime and can receive payments by CashApps. FYI: she starts prepping them for the ACT in 6th grade! And yes, her bonafides are in place. Just the kick in the pants your kids need! You can reach her at tutormemphis901@gmail.com or 901-574-2709.

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Uncle Sam waits for no one and rarely extends this sort of grace! For those of you that are taking advantage of the postponed tax deadline and need some assistance and a reputable accountant:

Shelley Lyles Madison at Ideal Biz Solutions. She does work for several small businesses and nonprofits as well as taxes for individuals. I recommend! Email her at smadison@idealbizsolutions.net or call 901-337-3248

Robert Wells at Wells & Wilson Financial, great with individuals an independent contractors like me. He’s my guy so I can comfortably recommend his services as well! www.wellsandwilson.com

You can handle everything electronically or by phone.

And of course, support The New Tri-State Defender! The city’s oldest newspaper focused primarily on us is covering this viral pandemic with us top of mind.

With COVID-19 treatment plan at the ready, doctor responds to elderly patients’ needs

By

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

-

04/04/2020

0

dr. dowell — Dr. Michelle Kitson and Dr. Stanley Dowell are internal medicine specialists with the Methodist Medical Group. (Courtesy photo)

Most of Dr. Stanley Dowell’s patients are over 50 and nearly all prime candidates for suffering serious complications if coronavirus strikes. Faced with no cure and only experimental treatment of the novel disease, Dowell has his own action plan: systematic management of each symptom.

“Of course, the first plan of action is for our patients to stay home,” he said. “Then, if coronavirus is somehow contracted, the patient is supported through the disease. What I mean by that is whatever system is failing, I would treat the effects of that deficiency until the viral syndrome has passed. Then we can pull back.

“Let’s suppose the virus is causing difficulty in breathing, some degree of acute respiratory distress syndrome, then that patient would be put on a ventilator to support breathing,” he said. “If the heart function goes down, we prescribe meds that help the heart beat stronger.”

Dowell’s plan of action models care being dispensed by many physicians in various parts of the country. Doctors and patients, together, are fighting back.

“People are trying to adjust to the new norm,” Dowell said. “The way life is right now – there have been a lot of changes. There are lots of ads regarding the coronavirus on television that targets seniors. A higher mortality rate and a higher number of complications from the virus are expected in that demographic. People come in and say, ‘Doc, they are talking about me.’ First things first, I try to calm their fears.”

For nearly a month now, Dowell has been calming fears and reassuring his patients that just because they are more vulnerable to coronavirus than other age groups, it doesn’t have to be fatal.

“The first thing my patients are doing is taking the stay-at-home order seriously. They are calling their families to say, ‘Look, I’m going to be home, and I’m not coming out. If I need something, I will call and let you know. But I don’t need a whole lot of people visiting. I’m alright.’ The isolation is an unfortunate by-product of sheltering in place for many seniors. It’s a trade-off.”

Most of his patients are taking the threat of infection seriously,” said Dowell.

“Once we get the fear and panic under control, common-sense measures can mitigate exposure and the complications which may follow. Frequent and thorough hand-washing, staying at home, and using social distancing, if they just have to go out, will keep everyone safe.”

One 80-year-old patient lost a life-long friend, and the family asked him to speak at the funeral, according to Dowell.

“I stepped in to say that under doctor’s orders, he (the patient) would not be able to attend. It was a tough call, but the risk was too great. They grew up together, went to school together. But, I have to take each individual’s vulnerability very seriously,” Dowell said. “In a crowd, older people are more likely to catch the virus. It’s just not safe right now.”

As of April 2, Tennessee had confirmed 2,845 cases statewide, with 32 deaths. In Shelby County, there were 640 confirmed cases, with eight fatalities.

Among some of the more higher-risk individuals is the group of seniors over 60 and who have recently traveled

“Now that we are testing everybody, a higher number of young people will test positive Dowell projects. “I think moving forward, positive cases confirmed out of all the testing will remain at something like nine percent. Our death rate is still quite low. We have people walking out of quarantine without complications, or any life-threatening conditions. Overall, Memphis and Shelby County have been blessed beyond measure.”

There is one very important thing the public should remember, Dowell said. People who have COVID-19 and have no symptoms can still transmit the virus to others.

“Although there may be no sneezing or coughing, respiratory droplets could still become airborne when they are talking, or even just breathing,” Dowell said.

“Staying at home and being mindful of social distancing at all times will help keep Memphis and Shelby County safe and healthy. Everyone, even young, healthy people, must take these precautions seriously.”

Lee signs election bills from virus-paused session

By

Associated Press

-

04/04/2020

0

Bill-Lee-5-900x0-c-default — Gov. Bill Lee as he explained a shelter in place order earlier during the pandemic. (TSD file photo via TN.gov)

by Jonathan Mattise —

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed several election law changes that lawmakers passed before they recessed due to the coronavirus, including one that scales back voter registration drive restrictions that a federal judge blocked and another that details voting options during disasters.

The changes to voter registration penalties were hailed as a win by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the leaders in lawsuits in which a court blocked the harsher restrictions passed last year. The new law removes misdemeanor penalties for not completing certain administrative requirements and eliminates fines for submitting too many incomplete registration forms.

The now-removed 2019 restrictions were likely to stay blocked through the November elections due to the April 2021 trial date.

“Voter registration drives are essential to ensuring that historically disenfranchised groups – including students, people of color, immigrants and senior citizens – can exercise their right to vote,” ACLU of Tennessee legal director Thomas Castelli said in a statement. “We are pleased that our lawsuit succeeded in restoring voter registration and expanding access to the ballot box in Tennessee.”

Still, the voter registration changes yielded criticism from some Democrats, since Republican leaders promised only to work on the budget and other “mission-critical” bills during their sprint to recess last month.

Those final days inside the GOP-dominant Legislature were conducted with the general public banned from the Capitol complex, only able to follow online for several days. Lawmakers hope to come back June 1 if possible.

The new voter registration law allows for penalties of up to $50 per violation when groups don’t turn in people’s completed registration forms within 15 days of receiving them or before the deadline to register to vote, if it’s within the 15-day window.

It also sets up the possible $50 max penalty each time a registration group retains personal identifying information collected from voter registration without getting permission and telling voters how it’ll be used; sets quotas for people collecting forms; or pays workers per form collected.

The law also requires people or organizations who realize they provided wrong information about voter registration and eligibility, voting qualifications, or polling dates, times and locations to inform state and local elections officials. It also makes previously required training voluntary for voter registration groups.

Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett backed the voter registration original law and pushed for the changes after the court order. Hargett told lawmakers in a February letter that, with the original voter registration law blocked, the changes are “better than no protection at all.” He also advocated for the other two new election laws.

Another new law includes felony penalties for intentionally passing on false information about voter registration or when and where to vote.

Meanwhile, the Republican governor and lawmakers signed off on a law that allows approved use of emergency supersites if their normal polling places are rendered unusable. The move largely responds to Super Tuesday tornadoes last month that required redirecting some voters, but lawmakers rejected amendments that would have allowed widespread absentee voting during the ongoing pandemic, a priority of Democrats nationally.

Arguing for the absentee voting, Republican Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville and some Democrats said supersites wouldn’t address a pandemic, when putting more voters of any kind in the same place would run afoul of social distancing guidelines.

Hargett’s office offered several reservations about the prospect of expanding absentee voting.

His office said absentee voting only makes up a small percentage of ballots cast in statewide elections since 2008, and cited additional costs to process more applications, print more ballots, use more postage, secure more storage and counting space, and pay more election officials to count ballots.

His office also pointed to the groups that already can vote by mail, including people older than 60, a group at-risk for the coronavirus, and sick people.

“Shifting to a system where the majority of voters could participate by mail would be a radical change to how elections are conducted in Tennessee,” said Julia Bruck, spokeswoman for Hargett’s office.

Tennessee has a primary election in August, with early voting starting in July. Hargett’s office acknowledged that “circumstances are changing on a daily basis,” saying his team is talking with officials nationwide and locally about what changes might be needed.

Spinning away while social distancing

By

TSD Newsroom

-

04/04/2020

0

In search of how Greater Memphis-area residents are keeping up with their fitness routines during this period of mandated isolation, TSD video-journalist Terrisa C. Mark encountered India Johnson, spinning away.

Buy now

Share this:

Cardi B Donates To NYC Medical Professionals Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: