As the U.S. COVID-19 death toll hit a single-day, record-breaking high, Shelby County’s surge this week follows that alarming trend, according to the Shelby County COVID-19 Joint Task Force.
Thursday, around the nation, 3,156 deaths from the virus were reported, the deadliest day this year. Shelby County’s new cases Thursday totaled 368, with 11 deaths.
“We’ll continue to preach the same thing, every time, every press conference,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department Medical Director. “If you’re sick, stay home. Wear a mask in public. Use social distancing, and avoid gatherings where the health directives are not being followed.”
As investigations continue into large parties and gatherings that may have violated the specifications of the last health directive, enforcement actions will be taken. Investigation of the widely publicized In Love Memphis gathering in Hickory Hill last Saturday has concluded, with the findings leading to the club’s closure as of Thursday.
“Investigations continue because there were a number of gatherings in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Randolph. “In Love has been shut down indefinitely. There is a minimum of two weeks closure, but some guidelines have to be met before the Health Department will open it back up.”
Randolph spoke one-on-one by telephone with The New Tri-State Defender after Thursday’s press conference, airing frustration about people disregarding the dictates of Health Directive No. 15.
That directive – issued Nov. 23 ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend – is set to be reexamined with an eye toward identifying loopholes or confusion.
The spike in new cases and deaths is heart-breaking, Randolph said.
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“There have been a total of 683 deaths in Shelby County and 49,631 cases of the virus,” said Randolph. “Of those deaths, 80 percent are among those 55 and older. Of the new cases, 60 percent are in the age group ranging from 18-44.”
Randolph said that violations don’t come with the number of people, but whether or not the gathering is following the health directive.
“We saw that the University of Memphis played a basketball game at the FedEx Forum,” Randolph said. “Three thousand people were in attendance, but everyone had on a mask, and social distancing was adhered to. So it isn’t just ‘don’t go to a big gathering,’ but how they are following the health directive makes a difference.”
Younger people tend to attend more social events, they have the highest number of new cases, but they endanger those they love, Randolph said.
“Everyone must take personal responsibility for their health and the health of those they love,” he said. “When you are not masking or social distancing, you could be spreading the virus to others: your grandmother or grandfather, or your mother and father, and they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of COVID-19. It could tragically end in death.”
Randolph acknowledged that people are fatigued now, and getting weary of following the mandates of the directive.
“We are not saying stop living,” Randolph said. “But we do want everyone to be more responsible.”
The first round of vaccine is expected to reach the state by mid-December. However, it will be the middle of 2021 before the general population is vaccinated, Randolph said.
The arrival of the vaccine doesn’t mean we can let our guard down, he said. Tennessee is one of four pilots chosen to gauge efficient distribution.
