Coronavirus updates: 784 COVID-19 cases in Tennessee, 198 in Shelby County

This story was last updated Thursday, March 26 at 7:27 p.m.

By the numbers: The Shelby County Health Department has confirmed 198 cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Thursday morning. The first local case was reported March 8. Statewide, the number of cases went up from 784 to 957 cases, with 3 deaths and 76 hospitalizations, as of Thursday.

Here are the latest updates for Shelby County during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Kroger warehouse worker positive, union says

An employee at a Memphis Kroger warehouse that supply 100 grocery stores around the Mid-South has tested positive for novel coronavirus, a union representative told The Commercial Appeal. 

Workers stopped unloading trucks after the positive test became known, the union representative said. 

For more: Read the story here. 

MPD Director in quarantine

MPD Director Mike Rallings is in self-isolation after a return from personal leave, Lt. Karen Rudolph said. 

Ralling was scheduled to go on the Memphis in May trip to Ghana on March 12. The city has never acknowledged he went on the trip. However, Deputy Director Mike Ryall has been seen at city's office of emergency management over the past few weeks. Rallings has not been seen. 

Strickland: 11 employees positive

In his daily update, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said 11 employees have tested positive for coronavirus. 

"As it stands right now, 11 of our more than 8,000 City of Memphis employees have tested positive for COVID-19; however, we know that number is only going to rise and more employees will be quarantined because they will come in contact with someone with virus," Strickland said. 

Earlier this week, Strickland said a "couple dozen" emergency personnel were tested at the Mid-South Fairgrounds because they were experiencing symptoms. It's unclear at this time what department those workers work in — police, fire, or emergency services

Strickland acknowledged that a reduction in city services could come if too many city workers get infected. In a previous interview with The Commercial Appeal, City Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen said the city would prioritize solid waste pick-up and public safety and preserving those service as things got worse. 

Pink Palace launches ’museum to-go'

Like some other shuttered Memphis institutions, the Memphis Pink Palace Museum is inviting visitors to return via computer rather than car. 

The museum has created a Museum To Go section on its website that includes family-friendly activities based off of current Pink Palace exhibits unable to be physically toured by Memphians.

Developed by Pink Palace curators, “Museum to Go” provides “entertaining and educating programming to keep minds sharp and spirits up,” according to Pink Palace marketing manager Bill Walsh.

“We’re all homebound and we get bored,” Walsh said. “'Museum to Go' is our way of giving kids and adults something fun to do at home.”

Visitors can click on “Activities at Home” for experiments and projects involving physics, engineering and other disciplines; “Curator’s Choice” to see a Negro Leagues baseball glove from the old Memphis Red Sox and other artifacts; “Movies” to stream the “giant screen” documentary “America’s Musical Journey,” which includes scenes in Memphis, for free; or “Planetarium” to view the film “The Sun, Our Living Star”.

More shows, activities and podcasts will be added in the days to come, Walsh said.

TN Dems push Lee for statewide plan, shelter-in-place

The Democrats in the Tennessee General Assembly penned an open letter to Gov. Bill Lee advocating for a statewide strategic plan and an accelerated response to the novel coronavirus.

“As data from across the country confirms, the effectiveness of our state response plays a critical role in reducing the rate of infection, preparing public health systems, and, ultimately, limiting the number of lives lost,” 30 Democrats wrote. “Tennesseans deserve a state government response that is not falling behind neighboring states, but rather incorporating the best practices that evidence and reent experience dictate.”

The Democrats would like Lee to take the following steps:

• A statewide shelter-in-place order, something that municipalities, including Memphis and have done as the need has arised
•  Work to ensure the state does not run out of personal protective equipment. Lee has directed Tennesseans to donate surplus PPE at National Guard Armories
• Establish a statewide plan
•  Expedite the medical licenses process to augment the ranks of medical professionals on the front lines.

The Democrats praised Lee for his personal work, but stressed the need for better statewide guidance from various pieces of Tennessee government.

“We continue to hear from those on the front lines — healthcare providers and local officials — that state guidance is vague and lacking in clear expectations and firm benchmarks,” the Democrats said. “All citizens need to understand when and how testing will be expanded, when and how PPE will be distributed, what the plan is for isolating infected individuals and what we are doing to prepare for possible shortages of ventilators and other critical equipment.”

Explore Bike Share offers free access

As much of the city is shutting down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Explore Bike Share is offering free access to its bike rental service through April 19.

Both new and existing bike share customers will get free unlimited 60 minute rides though the company’s “Let’s Ride This Out” program.

“Despite social distancing precautions, which we in Memphis should be abiding by, riding a bike is a safe and reliable form of solo exercise,” said Anton Mack, Explore Bike Share’s executive director. “Especially during this period of unprecedented circumstances, we need to protect and foster our mental and physical health now more than ever.”

Outdoor exercise is among the few activities still encouraged during the coronavirus pandemic. Those who participate should still avoid close contact with others.

Explore Bike Share employees will disinfect its bikes and kiosks daily but also encourages users to bring their own wipes and hand sanitizer to clean bike handles and kiosk screens before and after use.

Users can sign up for the free service on the BCycle app, at explorebikeshare.com or at a kiosk.

Juvenile Court to hold smaller number of in-custody proceedings 

The Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County announced new policy Thursday, following a decision from the Tennessee Supreme Court to suspend in-person proceedings. 

The court had preciously suspended in-person proceedings until April 30, and announced today that some in-person trials for juvenile defendants would be held with a restricted number of people in the courtroom. 

The court said in-person proceedings for defendants in custody are necessary, as the court works to reduce the population of juvenile detention for safety reasons amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Other exceptions to the Tennessee Supreme Court order include proceedings related to custody rights, visitation rights, and emergency protections orders. 

Annual commemoration of MLK's death will be virtual this year

The National Civil Rights Museum announced Thursday the annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination will be livestreamed this year.

The museum said it retooled the yearly commemoration by producing digital content that will be live-streamed from the museum's website and social media on April 4, from 5:30p.m. until 6 p.m.

The commemorative livestream will include highlights from previous commemorative events held at NCRM, including the 50th anniversary of King's death. 

“Dr. King’s message of economic equity is so relevant. We are seeing the devastation this crisis is taking not just on the health of our communities but on the economic well-being of our neighbors," said NCRM president Terri Freeman. "We are seeing just how fragile the financial safety net is for far too many people. Celebrating King’s acceptance of humanity, but disdain of inequity and injustice, is very important in 2020."

Bored kiddos? Brooks museum "Chalkfest" exhibit to go virtual

Usually a community event that takes place on the museum’s extensive courtyard, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s annual “Chalkfest” this year goes virtual.

Instead of gathering at the Brooks, kids (of all ages) are invited get creative and practice “Social Distancing with Chalk!” by drawing chalk pictures and designs on their home streets and sidewalks, and sharing them on Instagram and Facebook with the tags #Chalkfest2020 and @BrooksMuseum. The dates to share the pictures are March 30 through April 3.

Multiple entries are allowed, and some artists will be awarded prizes by the museum. For more details and suggestions, visit brooksmuseum.org.

In addition, the Brooks, which remains closed due to coronavirus concerns, is among the museums that have made its collection available online. Visitors can “tour” the museum’s collection of paintings, African sculptures and textiles, photographs and other works at the Brooks website.

Christ Community Health Services receives federal grant 

A federal grant totaling $138,489 will be given to health services provider Christ Community Health Services, announced U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen. 

The grant will help fund CCHS efforts as they continue to test Memphians for COVID-19.

“This rapid response to our coronavirus crisis is welcome and much needed. I’m pleased that this funding will address the ongoing pandemic on the ground in Memphis,” Cohen said. “This virus does not care if someone cannot afford care, and it is essential that everyone is able to access the medical attention they need. I am grateful for the hard work of Christ Community Health Services in these challenging times."

Shelby County reported case count at 198

According to new numbers released Thursday morning by the City of Memphis, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County rose to 198, up from 170 on Wednesday. 

The number of reported COVID-19 cases for Tennessee still sits at 784, but that number could be updated Thursday afternoon, when the state health department releases its coronavirus numbers. 

Senate passes stimulus plan

WASHINGTON – The Senate approved a massive stimulus bill to help families and businesses hurt by the coronavirus epidemic late Wednesday. 

The bill now moves to the House, which is expected to vote on the measure Friday morning and then send it to President Donald Trump for his signature. This is the third – and by far the most expensive – package Congress has put together to address the coronavirus.

"This is a wartime level of investment into our nation," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “A fight has arrived on our shores. We did not seek it. We did not want it. But now, we are going to win it."

Here are some of the major components of the historic relief package:

• The bill would provide direct payments of up to $1,200 for most individuals and $2,400 for most married couples filing jointly with an extra $500 for each child. 
• Assistance would start to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000 and for couples with more than $150,000 in income.
• Unemployment insurance benefits would be expanded, increasing the maximum benefit by $600 a week for up to four months. Benefits would be available to workers who are part-time, self-employed or part of the gig economy. People who are still unemployed after state benefits end could get an additional 13 weeks of help.
• Food assistance programs would get a boost as would programs to help low-income households avoid eviction and a program to improve internet access in rural areas.
• Homeowners with federally-backed mortgages would be protected from foreclosures for as long as 180 days.
• Students with federal loans could suspend payments until October.
• Students receiving Pell grants who have to drop out because of coronavirus would not be penalized.

Wednesday updates

Click here to read all Wednesday updates

• WMC, SCS to broadcast home lessons for students
• TN Dept. of Human Services announces workforce program
• SCS board cancels March meetings 
• COVID-19 impacting young people in Shelby Co
• Majority of Memphis city hall staff working from home
• Oak Court, Southland Mall announce temporary closures
• Pastor at Hope Church in Memphis tests positive for COVID-19
• Shelby County inmates test negative for COVID-19
• Regional One employees test positive for COVID-19
• COVID-19 case count rises to 170 for Shelby County

Tuesday updates

Click here to read all the Tuesday updates

• 'Shelter in place' health directive issued for Shelby County
• TVA donates respirator masks 
• Kroger warehouse employees working to keep 100 grocery stores stocked
• St. Jude has tested almost 200 people for COVID-19 with its own program
• 'Difficult' for Memphis to return to work in two weeks, health department says
• Tennessee case count now 667
• Shelby County coronavirus count climbs to 135
• Amid partial shutdown, local businesses get creative, change services - delivery of books, $4 sack lunches for kids 
• Cancellation of "Rocky Horror" performance illustrates broad impact of virus on our society
• MLGW restricts public access to its offices
• OUTMemphis requests donations for food and hygiene kits
• Memphis hospitals serve multi-county region, could see COVID-19 cases from far away
• Memphis Police Department restricts access to its stations
• Memphis restaurants offering in-house delivery to employ servers
• Old Dominick Distillery to produce up to 10,000 units of hand sanitizer
• MATA reinforces City of Memphis executive order

Monday updates

Click here to read all the Monday updates

• Shelby County Jail employee tests positive for coronavirus
• Several Germantown Fire Department employees in isolation
• Clerk's office closes after employee gets coronavirus
• Tennessee cases climb to 615
• Harris plans to join Memphis in shelter-in-place orderMemphis Mayor Jim Strickland issues 'safer at home' executive order
• COVID-19 reported case county reaches 84 in Shelby County
• Memphis football coaching staff pledges 360 meals to Mid-South Food Bank
• American Job Centers close locations, but still accept phone appointments
• DeSoto County COVID-19 cases rise to 23
• MATA adds temporary travel limitations for MATAplus customers

Weekend updates

Click here to read all updates from this weekend

• Employee test positive via kit administered at St. Jude
• Arlington schools suspends meal program
• Tens of thousands of Memphians in 'high-risk' categories
• Shelby County Schools plan to feed students comes together
• Takeout beer sales approved for Memphis restaurants
• Coronavirus taskforce created
• Memphis bowling alleys, movie theaters, and other spaces ordered closed
• Navy staff member on Milliington base 'doing well with very mild symptoms'
• MATA announces social distancing measures
• Gov. Bill Lee orders restaurants, bars closed except for takeout and delivery
• Trump thanks FedEx, Fred Smith
• YMCA to run point on SCS meal plan
• Strickland encourages social distancing at workplaces, blood donations
• U of M instructor dies in Wisconsin

Friday updates

Click here to read all updates from Friday

• MLGW restricting in-person access for bill payment
• Memphis restaurant group "Re-Opening Party" helps staff now
• Indie Memphis Launches At-Home Movie Club 
• Germantown declares state of emergency
• The Memphis area’s three independently owned movie theaters closed Friday
• All public tennis centers closed
• Loflin Yard to host outdoor market
• Blood drive cancellations trigger "critical" shortage, Red Cross says
• Memphis police employee among those who tested positive
• Mississippi schools postpone commencement ceremonies

Last Thursday updates

Click here to read are all the updates from Thursday

• FedEx employees tests positive
• Strickland closes restaurants
• Memphis City Council to hold virtual meeting
• Shelby County DA warns about fake sign
• Shelby Farms closes facilities, remains open
• Lowe's Memphis employee positive for virus
• LeMoyne-Owen moves to remote learning, postpones commencement
• Mid-South Fairgrounds to be used for drive-thru coronavirus testing
• Blues Foundation cancels awards show, Hall of Fame ceremony
• For more than 100,000 uninsured in Shelby County, Medicaid expansion may cover 'some'
• Pink Palace to close
• The Fresh Market to adjust hours

Last Wednesday's updates

Click here to read all the updates from Wednesday

• USL extends season suspension
• City employees to self-isolate after some domestic, all international travel
• Memphis Zoo to close
• Mid-South YMCA locations closing
• Wolfchase Galleria to temporarily close
• Nike donating to Memphis charities
• Germantown city buildings close to the public
• Members of the Memphis City Council warned about possible exposure to coronavirus
• Health Department reports fourth coronavirus case in Shelby County
• Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare to suspend elective surgeries, adjusts visitor policies
• Hernando city employee tests positive
• Memphis Greek Festival Postponed
• Target to close early, offer senior hours

Last Tuesday's updates

Click here to read all the updates from Tuesday

• Southland Casino Racing closed
• April ACTs, May SATs canceled
• Graceland 'Twin Peaks' convention postponed
• Memphis mosques suspend daily, Friday prayers amid coronavirus concerns
• Spanish-language coronavirus resources available
• Strickland declares emergency in Memphis
• Edible Memphis launches emergency GoFundMe for service industry employees
• City of Lakeland closes senior center, City Hall
• Town of Collierville closes library, suspends some services
• Pink Palace Family of Museums to close to the public
• Malco to close movie theaters
• Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to close temporarily
• Southwest postpones commencement, cancels campus events