Haushalter: ‘We are moving in the right direction’
Shelby County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph: “We are looking at the data. It is looking good, but what we don't want to do is get so excited that we return back too soon."
There are 171 article(s) tagged Alisa Haushalter:
Shelby County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph: “We are looking at the data. It is looking good, but what we don't want to do is get so excited that we return back too soon."
For people who have moderate to severe coronavirus symptoms, the isolation period may extend to 20 days, Alisa Haushalter said. She said it’s important for employers and schools to be prepared for this.
The Yellow Fever epidemic of 1878 in Memphis spawned new words, such as "Stranger Fever," and changed people's thoughts and actions. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its "social distancing" and "new normal" is not so different. History has provided an echo.
Health officials offer no guarantees but believe the odds of getting through the school year – albeit with some positive COVID-19 cases or even clusters – is reasonably good, assuming all those involved remain vigilant about social distancing and wearing masks and the overall community's transmission rate continues the recent downward trend.
District officials are also looking for community partners to help parents unable to be home with their school children.
A second group of limited-service restaurant owners whose places were closed by a Health Department coronavirus directive spent a day in court seeking to reopen. As was the case with the first group that appeared in court last week, no ruling was issued.
Erling Jensen: The Restaurant closed on Saturday, July 25, because of COVID-19 exposure, but employees are being tested and the plan is to reopen on Friday, July 31, and have some outdoor seating.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter's county health board proposal is drawing some resistance from suburban leaders who want to know more about its powers. The last county health board was abolished in 1909 and was no stranger to controversy.
Most diners are complying with Health Directive 8 and giving their names and numbers at restaurants, but Jiminy Cricket! Some just won’t do it.
Two local leaders in the pandemic fight said on "Behind The Headlines" there would be a stronger-than-usual push for flu vaccinations. Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter also said the role of schools in the pandemic makes reopening them – virtually or in person – an important part of battling the virus.
“There is incredibly limited access for asymptomatic patients,” said Jenny Bartlett-Prescott, who is coordinating community testing efforts for the Memphis and Shelby County Joint COVID-19 Task Force.
Restaurants closed by the Health Department made their case for a temporary restraining order in federal court. An issue: Does COVID spread differently in a bar versus a restaurant?
Memphis/Shelby County made progress in the struggle against COVID-19, coming out of a Safer at Home order and advancing into a Phase 2 reopening. But Phase 2 has been modified, cases have spiked again, and there remain major concerns going forward, including whether or not elementary and secondary schools can reopen in the fall.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said the 700 new coronavirus cases are from several days of tests and not reflective of a 24-hour period. It's imperative to bring the positivity rate of tests below 10%, she said.
With contact tracing in restaurants starting today, you’ll need to give your name and number when you visit a local dining room.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said taking these steps to reduce transmission will help with the plan to reopen schools in the fall.
Since pausing a move to Phase 3, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and overall positivity rate continued to rise locally with little signs of changing in the immediate future.
In Shelby County, more than 28% of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are Latino. The percentage of positive tests is rising.
Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, City of Memphis COO Doug McGowen recalled the other times that Americans stepped up and made a difference, and said that’s what needed to take on this pandemic.
Shelby County reported its highest single-day increase of new coronavirus cases with 394 Thursday. Over the past seven days, the county is averaging 273 new cases a day.
Several takeaways from Thursday's COVID briefing and the rise in cases. Among them: We're not as bad off as Florida, but we're bad enough that local and CDC officials are alarmed.
In the past two weeks, the county reported at least 100 new cases 11 times and the three highest day-over-day increases to date. The record increase being 385 new cases reported Saturday, June 20.
Over the past eight days, Shelby County recorded its three highest day-over-day increases since the pandemic began locally in March. Saturday’s report of 385 new cases from the health department being the high point.
Enforcing the ordinance requiring face coverings at indoor public places relies on business owners' participation, says sponsor of city council measure.
Alisa Haushalter provided guidelines for residents to follow that will help move the county toward Phase 3. Additionally, she addressed Shelby County Commission's decision to provide additional funding for hiring 141 new positions.