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How COVID-19 is disrupting My wedding planning

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Brianna A. Smith and Lorenzo Herman (fall 2019) (Photo: Ariel Cobbert)

My advice for navigating wedding planning during this unprecedented COVID-19 situation is to take a pause, don’t make any hasty decisions, and really think about what you value most for your wedding.

On March 20, exactly eight months until our destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my fiancé, Lorenzo Herman and I received a notification on our phones that the United States restricted nonessential travel to Mexico.

I was shaken, stunned, flabbergasted.

COVID-19 is affecting our wedding a tad bit differently than the other couples I wrote about.

Luckily, in January I said ‘yes to the dress’ and we had our site visit to Mexico in February.

However, finding bridesmaids gowns and accessories have become a hassle because many retailers in the United States import dresses from China, where the outbreak is said to have started and where many factories have been forced to close.

As a result, bridal stores have been struggling to source garments since the pandemic picked up and the safer-at-home order means that bridal stores, such as David’s Bridal have been ordered to close.

For a bride, groom or wedding planner, the challenge is every day that passes is a day closer to the special day. So, for people to have to sit tight or even try to plan for a pivot in the face of so much uncertainty is especially tricky.

Our wedding venue has temporarily closed, causing communication to be delayed.

“The shutdown of the venue is not ideal, but I understand the measure,” said Herman. “It puts me more at ease knowing that it has been shut down and it gives them time to clean, disinfect and change anything that needs to be changed prior to our wedding day.”

As a result of the coronavirus some of ours friends have been laid off from their jobs and now lack the financial resources to afford to attend our wedding. Many have had to renege.

Herman said, “Because some of our guests have been financially impacted it makes accounting for them difficult, the longer there is a safer-at-home order and things remain closed the longer our guests may not have the funds to afford to be in attendance by November.”

The most important factor right now is taking care of ourselves, our well-being and not putting our loved ones at risk.

We are staying calm and keeping faith that our big day will still happen as planned. There are too many uncertainties right now, and everyone is learning how to handle the situation to the best of their abilities.

Wedding day blues — adjusting to a pandemic

Tennessee Democratic Party removes Rep. DeBerry from ballot

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Former state Rep. John DeBerry is now a senior adviser to Gov. Bill Lee. (Photo: Screen capture)

The Tennessee Democratic Party voted to remove a state representative from the party’s primary ballot over allegations that he had Republican donor financing and voted contrary to the party.

Rep. John DeBerry Jr. was removed from the August 2020 primary ballot in a 41-18 vote with two abstentions, news outlets reported. DeBerry has served as a Memphis Democrat for 26 years.

An April 1 complaint challenged DeBerry’s status as a Democrat. The letter accused DeBerry of voting against his caucus’s position and receiving donations from organizations and individuals who typically support only Republican candidates.

“The Tennessee Democratic Party has decided that a 26-year representative that spent 12 years as a committee chairman … is no longer a Democrat. And so, I’m not,” he said.

DeBerry, an ordained Church of Christ minister, said he’s always maintained an anti-abortion position, noting that he’s “never tried to hide” his stance.

He voted in support of a controversial bill banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat could be detected, joining fellow Democratic Reps. John Mark Windle of Livingston and Joe Towns of Memphis in doing so.

DeBerry can appeal the vote. It’s unclear if he will.

John McFerren, dead at 95, fought for racial equality in Fayette County

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Described as one who could see the big picture, John McFerren never wavered in pursuit of racial equality. In the video from which this image was captured, he extolled the importance of economic independence in achieving racial equality. (Screen capture from video posted by the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute.)

John McFerren, a key civil rights warrior in Fayette County, Tenn. during the 1960s died from natural causes April 4.

His death occurred on the 52nd commemoration of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis.

McFerren was born in Somerville, the Fayette County seat, on Oct. 28, 1924, to Eugene and Estella McFerren, the fifth of six children.

In the summer of 1959, McFerren decided to commit his life to equality and racial justice.

After attending the trial of Burton Dodson, an African-American accused of killing a white deputy in a 1940 shootout, McFerren started a voter registration drive.

Dodson couldn’t be judged by a jury of his peers because few blacks were on the voter rolls, and only voters could sit on a jury. Many believed he was innocent.

Although Fayette County was 70 percent African-American, a small ruling class of white landowners had controlled the majority for generations. McFerren and other activists launched a massive voter registration drive to register African Americans.

This led to organized retaliation by Fayette County whites against McFerren, his family, fellow activists and sharecroppers on the farms of white landowners.

“When I was born, the movement had already started, and both my father and mother were deeply involved,” said Daphene R. McFerren, McFerren’s daughter, and executive director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis.

“That’s just how it was. We knew that we were sharing our parents with many people. As children, we didn’t feel neglected. My father was bigger than life and big enough to share.”

Whites retaliated against the movement by evicting African-American sharecroppers in December, 1960. McFerren set up army tents for the evicted families on land owned by two African-American farmers.

This “Tent City” housed these families until it was disbanded in April, 1963. But the nation and the world scrutinized Fayette County for its voter suppression and inhumane treatment of African Americans.

On November 16, 1959, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against the Fayette County Democratic Executive Committee to stop it from suppressing the African American vote in the primaries.

It was the first case in the nation to be filed under the 1957 Civil Rights Act.  Later, the Justice Department obtained relief from the federal court to prevent white landowners from evicting African- American sharecroppers because they registered to vote.

“I believe that some people are born to see the big picture,” McFerren said. “For my father, his responsibility was far greater to just his family. It was to his people as well.

“I remember one time, my father was beaten up really badly because he wouldn’t stop his civil rights activities. My uncle took him to the hospital. When he came home, I could tell he had been beaten badly. But nothing ever stopped him.

“When others were beaten, my father would have my mother drive them to the hospital in Memphis where blacks could go. They saw the big picture. That is now my perspective. I see the big picture.”

McFerren and wife, Viola H. McFerren, opened McFerren’s Grocery and Oil Company to provide food, gasoline, and other services. It was open for more than 50 years, on Highway 195.

His brick structure was the central meeting place for student activists, civil rights workers, and labor unions. Protest marches would start there and end at the Fayette County Courthouse.

McFerren was a World War II veteran.  He was preceded in death by his oldest son, John McFerren, Jr., and ex-wife, Viola.

He is survived by four children: Jacqueline McFerren, Claudia McFerren-Jones, Daphene R. McFerren and Harris N. McFerren.

 

Online tributes, expressions of sympathy pour in for Herman Strickland Jr., 60

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Herman Strickland Jr. was a deacon at The New Olivet Worship Center in Cordova, where he was known to walk his faith (Courtesy photo)

“…One of my church members and friend, Herman Strickland Jr., died yesterday, and it shook me to my core. He was a great Christian brother who loved his wife and two daughters…a kind and loving man. He will never be forgotten but truly missed.” – Dwayne A. Jones, friend


 

Herman Strickland Jr. (Courtesy photo)

The First Baptist Church on Kitchen Street posted on its Facebook wall:

“It is with deep sadness to inform you that Bro. and Sis. Strickland’s son, Herman Strickland Jr., passed away this morning. Please pray for the family during this difficult time for strength, comfort, and understanding.”

Strickland, a long-time Memphis banker known for his civic and professional efforts to boost African-American communities and Memphis, died April 5. He was 60.

This past Sunday, Strickland, a longtime deacon, was scheduled to lead the prayer during online services at New Olivet Worship Center in Cordova.

In stunning and dramatic fashion, he was heard praying at the appointed time.

Members of the congregation and visiting friends watching the online service posthumously heard Strickland’s voice, praying for the last time.

He had sent the 10-minute pre-recorded prayer to his pastor, Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., earlier in the week.

“…Help us to endure, Lord. Please help us to stay as safe as we possibly can, Lord. Help us to get through this…”

The words from Strickland’s recording were striking in the solemn moment of corporate prayer.

Strickland was a senior vice president and credit officer for Pinnacle Financial Partners in Memphis. His stellar career unfolded at First Tennessee Bank (now First Horizon), where he worked for 34 years.

When he left First Horizon, he was head of the diversity banking group. He joined Pinnacle in 2015.

With all Strickland’s accolades and board memberships, Whalum said the banker was most impressive in his love for God.

“I knew him for 30 years, and he was a true worshipper,” said Whalum. “Every Sunday morning before service began, you would find Herman lying prostrate on the altar, unashamed of his relationship with God. It was an unapologetic show of humility and meekness in a man of his stature. What an example for our young people.”

Strickland and his wife, Rhonda Strickland, ran New Olivet’s married couples’ ministry for 10 years. He was also involved in the Rights of Passage Ministry, a program for the guidance and mentoring of young men.

Strickland earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Arkansas State University management and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Memphis. He also graduated from the Darden School of Commercial Lending, University of Virginia.

Strickland was a former instructor at the Barret School of Banking at Christian Brothers University. He served on numerous boards throughout his career, among them the Memphis Urban League, Leadership Memphis, Community Lift and the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, University of Memphis.

R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home has charge of services.

The visitation, which is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today (April 10) at R. S. Lewis at 2944 Walnut Grove Rd., is open to the public. The funeral service set for Saturday (April 11), also at the Walnut Grove location, is restricted to family members only.

Baptist ministers group leads day of prayer

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Three hundred pastors and clergy of The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association have called for a day of prayer today “to help us as we struggle with our current state of affairs that encompasses planet earth.”

The plan notes noon today (April 8) as the starting point, with all religious leaders, lay persons, non-clergy and all people of faith invited to participate.

Pastors, ministers and religious leaders were asked to pray from their place of worship.

“As you kneel, remember ‘prayer is the sincere desire of the heart unuttered or expressed.’ Let us pray for our doctors, nurses, medical workers, patients, first responders and all of those  on the front line of battle,” the ministers said in a release about the effort.

A goal of the day is ongoing prayer for “our city, state and country that God will heal the land.”

The ministers emphasized their intention to (follow the guidelines of our Congressman, Governor and Mayor” and not congregate, choosing to “pray wherever you are at the above time.”

 

Titans’ Malcolm Butler: From champion to cheerleader during global pandemic

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by Jason Reed —

Best known for making the most impactful interception in Super Bowl history, Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler is still doing big things on the field. And during a time of crisis, he has stepped up off it as well.

In an effort to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic, the All-Pro has partnered with Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, independent historically black institution dedicated to educating health professionals, to fund the purchase of protective equipment and medical materials for health care workers and first responders. Additionally, as part of his financial commitment to fight the expanding health crisis in Tennessee, Butler will pay for first responders’ meals in coordination with a local, minority-owned small business. Back in his hometown of Vicksburg, Miss., Butler has donated to the United Way to provide meals for more than 600 senior citizens.

During a recent phone interview with The Undefeated, Butler explained that he’s proud to be in a position to help.


 

I’m not from Tennessee. But I work in Tennessee. This is where I play. So I wanted to partner with people who have a great record of serving the community. Meharry has been serving the Nashville community for over 140 years. They’ve been doing it for a long time. You can tell by their consistency that they’ve been doing it the right way for a long time. And this is such an important time, there’s so much going wrong out here, and I want to help the best way I can.

Athletes are very fortunate to live the way we live. We’re very fortunate to make the amount of money we make to play a child’s game as grown men. So if you can help out, help out. I feel like that’s how the whole world should be, but it’s not. In this situation, most definitely, it should be. Anything that I can do to help the world be better in this situation, anything to help the world keep going and to help those who need to be supported, that’s what I’m going to do. At the end of the day, we’re all family. That’s the way I look at it. And with nothing going right, with nothing going well, you’ve got to take care of family. No one is doing all the things they could be doing or want to be doing right now because of what’s going on. So why not be there for each other?

Whatever they [health care workers, first responders and seniors] need, that’s what I want to help with. That’s what I want to help them get. The main thing is, I want to help everyone out here who’s trying to keep the world rolling. They need equipment. They need stuff to keep them safe. Most definitely. They’re out here trying to take care of people. We need to be sure they’re getting the things they need to do their jobs.

For Vicksburg, I reached out to the mayor of my hometown. I asked him what was needed. I wanted to know the city’s biggest need. He told me it’s helping the seniors. He said supporting the seniors is most important. They’re not able to go to the grocery store. They’re not able to eat. So we’ll be providing those meals. We’ll make sure they’ll eat. People will be able to pick up the meals for them. If they don’t have anyone who can pick up the meals, some of the Vicksburg city employees will take the food to them individually. I think that’s a great idea.

From where I’ve come from, I understand how hard it can be for people. No offense to guys who are top draft picks. But if a guy comes out of USC and goes in the first round, it’s different for him than it was for me. It’s different for a guy who goes to a D-II school and then is an undrafted free agent. You’re going to understand more things, understand what people go through, when you’re in the dark more than in the light. You’re going to understand that hard road for people out here. Why? Because you’ve been there. When you’re coming from a lower level, it keeps you humble. It keeps you level. When you look at things, it’s coming from a humble place. You just remember that no matter how much money and fame you have, you should always help people. You should do the right things.

Right now, the world isn’t normal. But the world will get back to normal. With everything being delayed [in the NFL] — workouts, probably OTAs [organized team activities] and probably minicamps — it’s different. It’s very different. We all know that. But we’re professional athletes. We’re supposed to be professionals. We’re supposed to do pro things — like being in shape. Whenever we go back to work, we need to be ready to go back to work. I hope that’s the mindset of everyone. I know that’s the mindset I have. That’s the mindset we all need to have. But right now, we have the health care workers and the first responders on the field. Professional athletes, or whatever you do in life, we’re on the sideline rooting for them. We have to support the people on the field doing all of this for us.

Liner Notes

The New England Patriots led the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 with only 20 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIX, with the Seahawks on the Patriots’ 1-yard line. Butler intercepted a pass at the goal line, making the victory-clinching play in the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl championship. A two-time Super Bowl winner with New England, Butler in 2016 was selected as a second-team All-Pro. In 2018, the former undrafted free agent signed a five-year, $61 million contract with the Titans that included $30 million in guaranteed money.

(Jason Reid is the senior NFL writer at The Undefeated. He enjoys watching sports, especially any games involving his son and daughter.)

 

SisterReach’s Memphis Soul Music Festival reset for 2021; shifting funds to help needy families

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The Memphis Soul Music Festival (MSMF) is postponing its inaugural fundraising event planned for June 13 at Shelby Farms, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to adhere to social distancing mandates.

Cherisse Scott

MSMF Founder and CEO of SisterReach, Cherisse Scott, has decided to take part of the funding earmarked for national recording artists’ compensation and use it to partner with churches and organizations to support the practical needs of Memphis families.

Churches and organizations can apply on the SisterReach website (www.sisterreach.org) April 8–15. The nonprofit announced the funding via live video.

“Like so many others who planned large-scale public events this year, we come to this conclusion with heavy hearts. But the threat of COVID-19 transmission is a truth we cannot ignore and that makes this festival, as planned, impossible and dangerous. Such plans are neither realistic nor safe for our participants or our artists,” said Scott.

“Nevertheless, we have an amazing opportunity to use our resources to help support some of the immediate needs Memphians have like housing, food, and utility funding assistance. Many of our local churches have been doing this work already. We intend to add some of our resources to these sustained efforts and help expand their capacity.”

SisterReach will relaunch the festival in 2021. Participants can request a refund on their Eventbrite site.

Founded October 2011, SisterReach is a Memphis-based, grassroots 501c3 non-profit “supporting the reproductive autonomy of women and teens of color, poor and rural women, LGBTQIA+ people and their families through the framework of Reproductive Justice.”

Memphis Soul Music Festival was created as a signature fundraiser for the organization.

And…tune in to this:

Black Enterprise Founder Earl Graves Sr. has died at 85

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Legacy: Earl Graves Sr. (Photo: bet.com)

by Vanessa Etienne — (bet.com) — 

Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder and publisher of Black Enterprise, has died at 85. According to his son Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., he passed away at 9:22 p.m. on April 6 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s.

Graves, Jr., who is the current CEO of Black Enterprise, shared the news on Twitter.

View image on Twitter
“At 9:22pm this evening, April 6, my Father and Hero Earl Graves Sr., the Founder of @blackenterprise, passed away quietly after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. I loved and admired this giant of a man, and am blessed to be his namesake. LOVE YOU DAD!”
Earl Graves

Considered a trailblazer for Black companies, Graves launched Black Enterprise in 1970 to promote African-American entrepreneurship and to provide the tools to succeed in business.

Graves’ groundbreaking magazine also spawned a successful lineup of events for entrepreneurs and business leaders, tv shows and he also published the award-winning book, How To Succeed In Business Without Being White.

Foresight, desire to help yield free mask giveaway

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"We just want to help" is the rallying cry for Jimmy Chambers and Ressie Chambers, who are making and giving away masks. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

Camp Chambers founder Jimmy Chambers last week had a feeling that a government-level suggestion to wear face masks in public might be coming as the coronavirus continued its march through Shelby County.

He said to wife and program director, Ressie Chambers, “Let’s give away free face masks.” And in perfect superhero fashion, they have saved the day for many.

“We organized Camp Chambers back in 2014 to mentor and tutor youth who might be facing some challenges,” said Jimmy Chambers.

“I’ve been with Christ United Methodist Church for 30 years. They have a private school that is predominantly white, and I am the head basketball coach. So, it has not only been boys in Frayser who have come through our program, but also Christ Methodist students. All children need support at some time.”

So, how did he get into the mask giveaway business?

Well, it starts with the need.

After some deliberation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a recommendation recently for everyone to wear face masks when they go out in public. The Shelby County Health Department has endorsed that recommendation for all Shelby Countians.

Then there are the sobering numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of Tuesday (April 7) morning, according to the Shelby County Health Department, the number of virus-related deaths in Memphis-Shelby County was 18. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the county had climbed to 845.

Statewide reported cases of COVID-19 were 3,802 by Monday afternoon, with 65 deaths.

While officials are recommending wearing facial masks, they are as difficult to find as hand sanitizer, toilet paper and rubber gloves. Homemade, do-it-yourself masks are recommended, leaving the N95 masks for medical professionals. The DIY option seems simple enough, except it’s just not an option for everyone.

“We just want to help,” Chambers said. “I knew people were having trouble finding protective items, including masks. And then, I thought about people who may be out of a job and can’t afford to pay for a mask. I asked my wife who we might get to make the masks for Camp Chambers.”

They posted the free-mask giveaway on their Facebook page, and it exploded with requests and pleas for masks.

“We have even mailed some to Jackson, Tennessee,” said Ressie Chambers. “We’ll even ship them out to those who need them.  Of course, this is not what we normally do. But then, these are not normal times, and however we can be a blessing, that’s what we want to do.”

The colorful and uniquely made masks come from Linda Renee Riley, Ressie Chambers’ hair dresser.

Camp Chambers started off ordering 100 from her, paying for that batch, and ordering another hundred. We’re down to our last few from that first hundred, but we expect to have additional masks to fill more orders this week.”

Camp Chambers doesn’t plan to stay in the mask giveaway business. Once the coronavirus has passed,  school-age children will once more be the main focus of the organization.

“Saving our youth, one life at a time” is the non-profit’s adage. This includes children with behavioral issues, young people who need gang awareness counseling and intervention, anti-bullying workshops, classes in personal responsibility, good citizenship, and any students in Frayser and beyond who just want to “hang out” with “The Chambers.”

“Of course, we’re not a camp at all,” said Jimmy Chambers. “Our services to youth are available all year ‘round. We got that name years ago when there was a child misbehaving, and a lady said, ‘Alright, I’m going to take you over there to Camp Chambers.’ And the name just kind of stuck.”

The couple rehabbed a blighted house at 2559 New Raleigh Road, and made it the organization’s headquarters.

While there is no cost for the masks, most recipients make donations to Camp Chambers.

“We appreciate all donations,” Jimmy Chambers. “They are just helping to get more masks on the faces of those who need them.  We’ll keep ordering more and giving them away as long as there is a need. We’ll see this thing to the end. Looks like the coronavirus may be in it for the long haul, and so are we.”

(To contact Camp Chambers, call: (901) 2446320, or email: campchambers@att.net. Visit the website at: www.campchambers.com.)

 

TSD COVID-19 Flash!: Memphis safer-at-home order extended

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The “safer-at-home” order issued two weeks ago by Mayor Jim Strickland has been extended until April 21 amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was made Monday (April 6) during a special coronavirus task force briefing held by the Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph. On March 23, Strickland announced a two-week order to shelter in place.

During Monday’s joint briefing, which was streamed lived, Strickland focused primarily on the importance of social distancing and the task force’s efforts to work with one of the city’s most vulnerable populations – the homeless.

“We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” Strickland said before urging people to continue practicing social distancing, only leaving their home to go to work or for essential needs.

“The virus feeds on social interaction,” he pointed out. “We need to starve the virus.”

His plea comes as the latest numbers from the Shelby County Health Department were presented by Dr. Randolph.

As of Tuesday (April 7) morning, according to the Shelby County Health Department, the number of virus-related deaths in Memphis-Shelby County was 18. The total number of reported COVID-10 in the county had climbed to 845.

While Strickland acknowledged residents abiding by the social distancing guidelines, he also highlighted the number of complaints against businesses and individuals who haven’t.

According to the mayor, 140 non-essential businesses have been reported for not following the shelter-in-place order. He pointed out that once notified all business owners complied except one that has since been ordered by the city to close down.

Additionally, there have been 41 calls of crowd violations that Strickland said were sent to law enforcement to handle; and 16 churches in violation.

“I am very happy to report that most people are complying with the safer at home order, but we need all people,” he said before pivoting to the city’s efforts to work with the homeless population, which he called “top of mind.”

The City of Memphis has partnered with local agencies in an effort to ensure homeless Memphians are able to shelter-in-place. So far, the task force has secured two hotels, providing 60 rooms for women and families. The task force is still working out accommodations for men.

Also, in the works are plans to offer mobile COVID-19 testing, specifically for the homeless. In addition to ensuring the safety of the vulnerable subgroup, that would help the task force create a better snapshot of the virus’ effects.

“We want to be sure to test the homeless population, so we can have a better picture of what we’re dealing with as it relates to the virus because that will affect our bottom number,” Dr. Randolph said.

While numbers are expected to surge, there have been differing opinions from local and national health experts on exactly when.

A recent model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations forecasted that the surge in cases and deaths will happen April 15 in Tennessee; but another model endorsed by some state leaders last week predicted a spike on April 19.

Additionally, the updated model suggests that the number of deaths caused by the virus will not exceed 600 in Tennessee. The previous model, on April 2 suggested that there would be more than 3,000 deaths statewide.

Strickland said while the local task force takes into consideration the projections of national health experts, they prefer to rely on those who are local, such as doctors at the Shelby County Health Department and others at the state level.

“We are anticipating a surge to occur within a couple of weeks or so,” Dr. Randolph said, according to projections that are being forecasted by the Shelby County Health Department with guidance from Vanderbilt University.

Strickland said the “best thing that the task force can do is get more testing” while enforcing the need for social distancing and ensuring that there are enough hospital beds in the event of a spike in cases that require hospitalization.

“What we do today, literally, will determine what the surge will be like when it hits in two to four weeks.” Strickland said.

“We must come together to stay apart.”