Publisher: The Commercial Appeal


Will Memphis-area schools open in the fall? Here’s why that’s a ‘tough question’

The Commercial Appeal

With back-to-business plans in order, leaders are looking to the complicated issue of reopening schools. New plans will consider the school calendar, how students get to school and how much school work will be done outside the classroom. Knowing when and how to bring kids back into classrooms is complex.  


The 901: Why Memphis should require everyone to wear face masks

The Commercial Appeal

No shirt, no shoes, no service — but how about face masks? Today, for the first time in a long time (49 days, to be exact), Memphians can eat inside a restaurant, shop for nonessentials in a “nonessential” store, and even hit the gym. But while businesses’ public-facing employees are required to wear face masks… Read More


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