While Shelby County Covid numbers are falling, a new health directive keeps masks in place, and tells some businesses to be ready to implement mandatory vaccines or weekly testing.
The new health order comes as several major events occurred since the previous order. Cases have declined. Booster shots are available for some. Masks are, once again, mandated in schools here. Vaccine or testing mandates are expected. Pfizer is seeking approval to use its vaccine in children over age 5.
Here’s how the Shelby County Health Department characterizes the area’s current Covid situation:
“Shelby County is beginning to experience a small decline in Covid-19 cases, and while this gives reason to hope, the best way to continue on this path is to remain vigilant in our efforts to combat the disease. Generally speaking, this means: Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Stay home if you are sick.
“The danger in letting down our guard right now is that we experience a plateau in cases followed by another surge. The most troubling aspect of this surge is the impact on children and the marked increase in pediatric cases compared to last year. This is why masking in schools, with appropriate exceptions, is a must. The department considers in-person learning a vital element of education and pediatric health.
”Shelby County is still considered by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC] to be an area with a high rate of community transmission of Covid-19. In large part, this is due to the low percentage of vaccinated people in the county and in Tennessee. Vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death.”
One substantial change in the new order is that businesses and schools must report positive cases to the health department within 24 hours. Another new change requires businesses and schools to post signs reading “mask required” at their entrances.
The new order also taps some business owners to be ready should new vaccine and testing rules be issued from the Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration (OSHA), as is expected.
“Employers with 100 or more employees should prepare for a new emergency temporary standard from [OSHA] requiring them to mandate that all employees be vaccinated against Covid-19 or else undergo weekly testing,” reads the order. “Please consult with your legal counsel about coverage and implementation of the emergency standard.”
The new order is set to expire on Sunday, October 31st. It can be changed or renewed depending on changes in the county’s case rate, hospital capacity, or vaccination rate.
