MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For the first time in weeks, Memphis and Shelby County health officials say the number of new COVID-19 cases is slowing down.
Health officials said Wednesday there were only 29 new cases, which is the smallest increase since March.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter says the flattening of the curve puts the city in a good position to allow more businesses to reopen in the weeks to come.
However, they’re still encouraging people to continue to be cautious.
“The more that we have mitigation measures in place, and specifically social distancing but also good isolation and quarantine measures, continue to push that surge further out,” she said.
Memphis’ chief operating officer, Doug McGowen, said code enforcement has not seen a dramatic increase in calls about businesses not abiding by the reopening guidelines.
However, McGowen said they have increased their presence throughout the city.
On Tuesday, people filled restaurants for Cinco de Mayo, but McGowen said that was expected.
“It’s really our first big surge in people, especially with the weather being nice and being Cinco de Mayo,” he said.
McGowen said that, despite the curve flattening, now is not the time to let your guard down.
“We need to make sure that people are safer at home, especially those vulnerable populations,” he said.
McGowen encouraged everyone to continue to wear masks when out in public.
Starting Thursday, the health department said, they will be distributing thousands of masks to the general public at all clinics and community testing sites.
If you would like to be tested Wednesday, there will be free testing until 6 p.m. at the Christ Community Center in Hickory Hill for anyone who would like it.
