MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County health officials say 44% percent of the county’s COVID-19 patients are considered “recovered.”
For the first time, the health department is releasing data on the number of recoveries in the county.
Recovery has a specific definition. That definition, according to Shelby County health officials, is that patient remains healthy 21 days after the diagnosis of COVID-19 and has completed all isolation requirements.
Health officials say of the 2,000 cases reported in Shelby County, “about 44% of all cases” have reached that threshold and are now considered recovered.
Officials say 43 people have died, which is about 2.2%.
And of those deaths, health officials report a majority were men. Looking at race, 70% were African-American.
Officials say 78 percent had a cardiac condition. Others had diabetes, respiratory symptoms or were obese.
WREG has also learned there are now nine outbreaks in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential treatment centers throughout the county, resulting in 11 deaths and 104 people infected. One facility alone has 32 of those cases
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said the data has driven them to take aggressive efforts at senior care facilities.
“Visitation is now barred. Nursing homes must additionally adhere to guidelines on social distancing. Employees must have fever checks,” Harris said.
Harris said the county is seeing a downward trend from about a week ago, when there were 223 new COVID cases in just two days. Now, the county is averaging 30 to 50 new cases every day.
Friday afternoon, he announced he is extending his shelter in place under the end of April.
“However, after April 30, I do anticipate there will be changes. Even significant changes,” Harris said.