Publisher: The Commercial Appeal


As Shelby County creaks open, expect a rise in COVID-19 cases. How much before we have to turn back?

The Commercial Appeal

Local health officials and leaders expect the phased reopening of Shelby County’s economy to increase the number of people infected with COVID-19. At present, health officials see the virus’ growth in Memphis and Shelby County as roughly flat, but they, like experts nationwide, estimate a significant number of people are asymptomatic carriers of the disease.… Read More


Opinion: COVID-19 now, but what comes next?

The Commercial Appeal

The surge of COVID-19 has yet to hit us in Memphis. It is, however, not too early to think about what we can do to avoid or, more likely, manage the next health crisis that may arise. We have witnessed several infectious diseases and other health challenges in the past years. HIV. SARS. MERS. Ebola.… Read More


When will Memphis see the surge? Experts now say we could avoid it altogether. Here’s how.

The Commercial Appeal

For more than a month, projection models have forecast dire outcomes for Memphis-area hospitals — too few beds, intensive care units and ventilators for COVID-19 patients. With that overwhelmed medical system came death on a broad scale.


Walgreens, Kroger helping push Memphis coronavirus testing capability

The Commercial Appeal

Walgreens and Kroger are now working with partners to offer COVID-19 testing in the Memphis area.


Tennessee rural restaurants reopen Monday: Tough safety rules, with weak enforcement plan

The Commercial Appeal

As Tennessee moves to allow restaurants in rural areas and small towns to reopen on Monday, it has issued a tough set of COVID-19 safety guidelines, including urging restaurant staff to question customers about their symptoms and even check customers’ temperatures at the door. Also: April 26: Jackson Sun April 26: Tennessean  


As society leans on COVID-19 testing to reopen, test problems remain, says UTHSC official

The Commercial Appeal

A key medical leader involved in COVID-19 testing in Memphis says the area’s virus testing system remains so flawed that it cannot be relied upon as a tool for quick reopening of society.open, test problems remain, says UTHSC official


With some of Tennessee reopening, when could Shelby County ease COVID-19 restrictions?

The Commercial Appeal

Parts of Tennessee might reopen next month, but that’s not likely for Shelby County, where cases of COVID-19 have continued to rise. On Monday, Dr. Alisa Haushalter, director of the Shelby County Health Department, walked through some of the things that will need to happen before her agency is likely to lift its directive that… Read More


COVID-19 patients are recovering. But some of them may have lasting health issues

The Commercial Appeal

The uncertainties about COVID-19 abound. No one truly knows what tomorrow will bring, much less next week, next month or next year. It remains unclear when businesses will reopen and when the economy could start to rebound, when sports could resume and when holidays can be marked in groups of family and friends, rather than… Read More