Covid-19 cases are rising again in Shelby County, a trend emerging around the country and the world.
The seven-day rolling average of new cases fell to a Delta-surge record low of 73 on October 31st. That’s about 8.5 percent of the 860 average cases reported daily at the height of summer’s record-high Delta surge in late August.
However, the average number of new cases has slowly increased since that low figure set on Halloween. The number was 101 per day a week ago, according to data from the Shelby County Health Department. The figure was 120 on Sunday and on Monday, according to the health department.
Plateaus and slight increases in case counts are being seen across Tennessee. The state hit a Delta-surge low of 548 cases on November 7th. The figure more than doubled to 1,213 on November 12th. That figure fell again to 743 on November 14th, according to data from the Tennessee department of Health. Numbers are plateauing or slightly increasing in every metro across the state.
The increases come as new laws forbid mask or vaccine mandates from some private businesses, schools, and government agencies. Those seeking exemptions form the law can apply at a brand new website from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation last week from a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly. However, a Middle Tennessee judge has temporarily blocked the law on concerns that it might violate the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The increases seen in Memphis and Tennessee mirror increases seen across the country, bottoming out in late October before starting a gentle rise. Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical advisor, noted upticks across the country but said there’s good news, and some “challenging news” may need to be addressed this winter. Though, he said vaccinated families should be comfortable gathering this holiday season.
The increases are happening around the world and some of them are bringing new mandates and lockdown measures in Germany, France, Austria, and more.
