Weekly Update

Friends,

The last six weeks have been unlike any time in our lives. Faced with the coronavirus and based on expert medical opinions, as mayor, I had to take official action to force social distancing. I never imagined the need for such action when I was elected, but it was required in light of the public health emergency.

When faced with uncertain times, President Lincoln told Congress, “As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.”

Recent data is showing a plateau, and our medical experts are of the opinion that our community can seriously plan to lift restrictions and “reopen”, but importantly, with conditions. These plans will be released early next week, and each phase will be implemented based on clear, scientific, and transparent criteria.

Even with transitioning “back to business,” we must remain vigilant with social distancing, personal hygiene, no shaking hands, and face coverings.

Better days are ahead of us! And, I strongly believe that Memphians have the strength and wisdom to endure the virus and the economic hardships. I believe when we emerge on the other side of this, we will do so with the determination and knowledge that we can overcome other obstacles we face with a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

Breaking down the numbers: As we move forward and begin to look at reopening businesses, hopefully the graph below will help you understand our decision-making process as we work to get our economy back on track.

The Shelby County Health Department today released a new chart showing the recovery rate. Below is a glance at what that looks like.

Testing: Governor Bill Lee is scheduled to attend Christ Community Health Services Free COVID-19 drive-through testing event this Saturday, April 25, from 12:00—3:00 pm at Christ Community Health Services Frayser Health Center at 696 Frayser Blvd.

The testing event is in association with Governor Lee's efforts to ensure that COVID-19 test is available to all Tennessee residents. All tests are administered by Nurses and National Guard medics and is available to anyone who desires to be tested for COVID 19.

Unlike previous drive-through testing, you do not need to be experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and do not need to pre-register or schedule an appointment. Testing is open to everyone, and participants do not have to be Shelby County residents. Test results should be available within 72 hours, and everyone tested should receive a call regarding their results.

Mayor’s Meal Challenge: A week ago we kicked off the Mayor’s Meal Challenge, and it’s been great see all the great take-out pictures and messages of support for our local restaurants. So far, we’ve had 249 people participate and donated $6,225 to the Mid-South Food Bank.

Keep it up!

We still have over $10,700 in matching funds ready to be contributed to the Mid-South Food Bank.

A quick reminder on how to participate:

• Pick up a “to-go” order from local restaurants.
• Post your photos of the food on social media.
• Tag the City of Memphis or my Facebook page @CityofMemphis or @MayorMemphis and Twitter @CityofMemphis or @MayorMemphis and the restaurant’s page.
• Include the Hashtags #MayorsMealChallenge and #saferathome.
• $25 will be donated to the Mid-South Food Bank for each photo.

If you would like to donate to the food bank visit www.midsouthfoodbank.org/donate. Under the “My Donation is for” tab, select the Mayor’s Meal Challenge.

Have a great weekend.

Yours,