Delta Variant Leads New Cases – Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News



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Health officials say Shelby County is at the start of a new wave of COVID cases and the Delta variant is prevalent.

The Shelby County Health Department reported 914 active cases on Sunday, July 11, double the 453 cases recorded last week.

The positive rate for coronavirus tests is 5.8% and the transmission rate of 1.26 represents the highest ever since the early days of the pandemic. Health officials said cases over the next 30 days are expected to total 3,168 cases compared to the forecast of 742 cases last week.


Increase in COVID-related hospitalizations


Shelby County health director Dr Bruce Randolph said residents must continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. He said part of the hesitation over the vaccine may be because the FDA has yet to approve the vaccine, and there may be a need for the FDA to move forward. and do it.

He also clarified the latest health directive, saying the health ministry has not made any recommendations on using plexiglass for social distancing, and the best protection of all is to wear a mask.


New health directive proposes minor changes


He added that the water fountains have been open for months and should follow regular cleaning like all other surfaces.

The Department of Health is having a back-to-school event this weekend and next weekend. Vaccinations, vaccinations, shooting records, birth certificates required for the school will be services provided.

Officials said that the vaccine against the Delta variant is 64 to 88 percent effective, and immunocompromised patients should discuss with their doctor the possibility of receiving a third dose to boost their immunity.

Infectious disease expert Dr Manoj Jain answered a few frequently asked questions about the Delta variant:

How fast is it?
“It is growing very quickly and will see a big increase over the next couple of months. “

How will the number of cases increase?
“This wave will not be as high as the last wave. Maybe half the height.

How long will it last?
It “tends to last less.”

Who will be impacted?
“Not vaccinated. Have seen epidemics in churches and camps. Continue to mask yourself in public and get vaccinated.

Shelby County COVID-19 task force member Dr Jeff Warren said the rate of transmission means we have issues with people who haven’t been vaccinated in the next 30 to 60. days. He said citizens should continue to encourage their friends and family to get vaccinated and use common sense when in groups.

Shelby County schools have had six students and eight staff who tested positive in the past seven days.

There is the most recent data available for COVID hospitalizations: Methodist, 32 patients; Baptiste, 36 years old; Memphis Veterans Medical Center, a; Saint Jude, a.

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