As the count of COVID-19 numbers continues to yield dizzying numbers in Greater Memphis, the need to mask-up mounts with life-saving urgency.
On Friday, Shelby County Health Department data showed 18,058 confirmed/probable coronavirus cases, including 374 new cases reported over the previous 24 hours. The death toll stood at 259 (three new deaths over 24 hours), with 12,819 the total of recovered cases.
And the positivity rate, which local health officials have said they would want to see under 10 percent overall, registered 16.4 for Friday, pushing the overall rate up to 9.9 percent.
The wearing of masks continues to be embraced widely as a primary tool for combatting the virus’ spread, with even President Donald Trump now, finally, leaning in that direction.
The New Tri-State Defender commissioned photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow (GSW Enterprises) to put his boots to the ground in pursuit of Memphians complying with local directives to wear masks in public spaces.
