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.
Jamal Whitlow: “I wear my mask because it’s my responsibility to protect myself and my fellow Memphians and take all precautions necessary to get back to normal living.”
Kevin Fuller: “It’s important for society as a whole to wear a mask to protect families. I wish everyone would attempt to wear a mask; therefore we can all do our part to protect each other from COVID-19.”
A. Richardson: “(As a respiratory therapist at Methodist Alliance Home Medical) I see the COVID-19 epidemic is real. The stats are going up daily. Memphians, be responsible and wear your masks to keep others safe.”
Brandy Hill: “Masks cut down the coronavirus. It’s safety for myself and safety for others. I have underlying health issues and I defiantly have to take all precautions to protect myself.”
Charles Higgins: “I wear my mask for my safety, my family’s safety, my bothers’ and sisters’ safety and all my fellow man.”
Kemetra King and Erick Talley: “We Wear masks to protect not only ourselves but our community until we can get back to some type of normalcy.”
Casino Madison: “I wear a mask because it’s the law. I don’t like it because I can’t hardly breath in it.”
Avery Thomas says he wears a mask “o protect me and others around me.”