COVID-19 Update: Critical point

Friends, 

As the number of new cases around the country continue to increase, Memphis is no different. Our new case numbers, our positivity rate, and our hospitalizations are all on the rise. With those things in mind, I believe we are at a critical point in our fight against this virus.

For months you’ve heard from me, the medical experts, community and faith leaders, the requests to wear a facial covering in public, to thoroughly wash your hands, practice social distancing, and to stay home if you’re sick. And, you will keep hearing those things because City Council just passed a mask ordinance, and we will be enforcing it.

But, at the end of the day, the choice is yours to put yourself and others at risk or to do the right things.

I’m fully aware that there are those in our community and around the country who, for whatever their reasons may be, are not taking this seriously. I’m here to tell you today—they should. It’s fine if you don’t want to take my advice, but you cannot argue with the numbers.

In today’s update, I’m including several data points that demonstrate everything I’ve written above. I hope you will review and take them seriously.

The health of our citizens and the future of our economy depend on it.

 

Yours,