Travel mask mandates lifted, West Tennessee cases steady
Welcome back again to Coronavirus View. It is digital producer Ray Padilla with the most recent developments in COVID-19.
A couple months ago, we mentioned how the Food items and Drug Administration and the Centers for Condition Command and Prevention made a decision folks ages 50 and up are qualified for a second COVID-19 booster shot.
This week, the federal government introduced travellers traveling on general public transportation and airplanes will not be expected to don a experience mask after a federal choose in Florida struck down the CDC’s mandate.
As a result, in Shelby County, Tennessee’s major county, masks are no more time necessary on Memphis Area Transit Authority or at Memphis International Airport.
“Whilst MATA travellers and workers are no extended demanded to don masks while onboard vehicles and/or transit facilities, masks are welcome and continue to be an vital preventive evaluate in opposition to COVID-19,” MATA officers stated in a assertion. “Any one needing or choosing to wear one particular is encouraged to do so.”
Inspite of the drops in mask mandates, countrywide information stores have been persistent in declaring that the United States is headed towards another surge in COVID-19 situations primarily based on the moderate increase in the Northeastern aspect of the state.
On the other hand, in West Tennessee, COVID-19 cases have remained stable.
Dr. Manoj Jain, an infectious disorder skilled and a crucial advisor in the regional pandemic response, remains optimistic for Shelby County though even omicron’s sublineage carries on to deliver new variants.
“We are in a seriously excellent placement we are not looking at any increases or surges, not like the Northeast, in which there have been moderate rises,” Jain explained.
The CDC however endorses masks be worn in indoor community configurations and prior to the judge’s ruling had prolonged the mandate right up until Could 3 for even more review of the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the virus, which now makes up the greater part of new instances in the U.S.
Coronavirus by the numbers
Shelby County (as of Wednesday):
Madison County (as of April 9):
Tennessee (as of April 9):
Vaccinations in Tennessee (as of April 19):
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About 52% of Shelby County people are fully vaccinated.
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About 61% of Madison County inhabitants are completely vaccinated.
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About 53% of Tennesseans are entirely vaccinated.
Vaccination facts
COVID-19 vaccines are now greatly obtainable to all Tennesseans 5 yrs aged and up. No appointments are required. Walk-in possibilities are out there at all wellness departments, and you can also make an appointment if you want.
The Food stuff and Drug Administration has approved vaccine booster shots for folks 12 a long time outdated and up.
For all vaccine information and facts, eligibility, and to discover vaccine web-sites in your region, pay a visit to the Tennessee Division of Wellbeing internet site.
Observe: The Tennessee Section of Well being no more time publishes virus stats everyday.
This has been Ray Padilla with your weekly update on COVID-19 information in West Tennessee. You can get to me by e-mail at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at @Ray_Padilla_.
This post at first appeared on Memphis Business Attractiveness: Public transportation mask mandates are lifting in some counties
