MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The number itself was alarming, no matter how many days it represents. A whopping 700 new coronavirus cases were reported Tuesday by the Shelby County Health Department. Officials tried to mitigate that number by assuring us that the count represents test results over several days – after testing labs got behind. OK, I’ll buy that. But daily reports of positive COVID-19 cases have been in the triple digits for some time. So the facts are clear: we are not, by any stretch, winning the fight to contain this pandemic.
The good news is far more people are wearing masks in public because Memphis and Shelby County have mandated them. But not everyone is wearing them. And masks have sadly become a political issue.
Add the fact that local restaurants are going to court to fight against being forced to again shut down – and Shelby County Schools are under intense pressure to get ready for fall classes, and what we have unmistakably is a chaotic situation. Plus, early voting begins this week for state and federal primaries.
The point is, COVID-19 is not just a deadly disease. It’s also playing psychological games with our ability to get along with each other. But we must resolve not to give in to this terrible menace.
Let’s protect ourselves and our families. We can get through this – with discipline, cooperation, and respect for the science – and one another. And that’s my point of view.
A look at COVID-19 numbers in Memphis and Shelby County for July 14th
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