MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The American Job Centers (AJC) in Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, and Tipton Counties will close to the public effective TODAY, Monday, March 23, 2020. The temporary closure has been ordered by the State of Tennessee as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). AJC staff will continue to be available for appointments over the phone by calling 901-504-6580.
Said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “These centers can see high volumes of job-seekers in relatively small spaces. As a result, we agree with the state that we should temporarily shutter these locations to prevent spread and support social distance. During this time, we will continue to offer job-seekers in our region support, but we will rely on phone appointments and expand use of our on-line resources.”
Said WIN Executive Director Kyla Guyette: “In this time when our business partners and everyday citizens will need our services more than ever, we will continue to work through contingencies on how we can best serve your communities while abiding by DOL’s decision to order temporary closure.”
The American Job Centers are administered by the Workforce Investment Network (WIN), the leading regional agency on helping West Tennesseans get jobs. WIN is a program of Shelby County government. Job-seekers may contact the AJC by calling 901-504-6580, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on normal business days. Additionally, job-seekers can still find lists of jobs and resources for job-seekers on our website, www.workforceinvestmentnetwork.com.
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Coronavirus in Context:
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.