Weekly Update

Friends,

After weeks of steady and continuing reductions in all our key indicators in the fight against COVID-19, this week we've seen some slight increases creeping back in the data. This is not a complete surprise as after each holiday weekend we've seen an increase in these numbers.

As you can see in the chart below, our positivity rate has jumped back up to 12.5 percent when it was 10.9 percent the week before.

The reproductive rate of the virus is also now above one (we want this number below one) after a couple weeks of hanging around .8. We need to get this number back down below one.

 

The importance of wearing masks, social distancing and practicing good hygiene is just as important now as it ever has been. These are the best ways for us to continue to reduce the spread.

I know it’s frustrating having to do all these things, but they work.

Lastly—if you’re having symptoms, have been exposed to someone with the virus, or think you may have been exposed and just want to be sure—get tested.

If you are symptomatic, you should call the testing location first to schedule an appointment. Click here for a full list of testing sites or you may call 833-556-2476 or 877-857-2945 to find a testing site near you. If you need transportation to get tested, please schedule an appointment with Church Health or one of the UT (UCH) testing sites.

Small Business Stabilization Grants: In partnership with City Council, I announced last week that applications for the City of Memphis Small Business Stabilization Grant Initiative are open and ready for submissions. So far, we’ve approved 13 applications and given out a little over $154,000, and we still have more funds ready to be distributed.

If your business or a business owned by someone you know is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should take a look at this program. More information and the application is available online here. All applications must be submitted completely and with any additional documents that must be processed. Applications will only be accepted via email and cannot be hand delivered. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Grant award is not guaranteed.

For more information, contact our Office of Business Diversity and Compliance at 636-9300. Applications will be accepted until December 23, 2020 or until funds are exhausted. There are no fees to apply and free resources through OBDC are available to assist you with the application process.

MATA’s new website: The Memphis Area Transit Authority launched its newly redesigned website this week, matatransit.com. The website has enhanced navigation to help visitors easily plan their trips quickly find the information they need.

The evolution of the new website has been underway at MATA for several months. Along with the launch of the new GO901 mobile payment app and go901transit.com customer portal, the new website will help fully integrate all aspects of the new fare collection system that will also include new ticket vending machines and point of sale systems soon.

When you have a minute, check it out.

To have and to hold: One of the jobs you may not be aware of in my role as mayor is I have the privilege of being able to marry folks. This past Monday I had the chance to bring some joy into the lives of two great people. Ms. Freda Johnson and Mr. David Fox came down to City Hall, and in the hall of mayors, they exchanged their vows with each other.

During a time with such uncertainty and difficult struggles for so many, it was nice to take a break and share such a special moment with this wonderful couple.

Rosh Hashanah: Tonight at sundown begins Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and starts the year 5781 on the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah is followed by 10 days of repentance, ending in the most sacred of Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur.

To our Jewish brothers and sisters—Shanah Tovah!

Yours,