MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One of the best tools for understanding and dealing with the coronavirus outbreak is information. That includes information about where COVID-19 cases are showing up the most.
Well, thanks to the Local I-Team, we now know more about where COVID-19 clusters are in Shelby County. And to no big surprise, they have popped up at workplaces with large numbers of employees.
For example, the FedEx hub tops the cluster list with 193 cases since the start of the pandemic here in early March. Other places include the Amazon distribution center on Holmes Road with 88 cases, and the Nike Logistics Center in Frayser with 29 cases.
Group homes, mental health facilities, homeless shelters, and of course hospitals have had clusters – which are defined as places that have reported 10 or more cases.
Local 24 obtained the list of COVID-19 clusters after filing a public records request. But really, it should not have come to that. This is clearly information the public has a right to know as the pandemic continues to spread through the community.
No one is trying to stigmatize these businesses and healthcare facilities. I’m sure they all are doing everything they can to keep their environments safe. Plus there is no indication that the cases were contracted in the workplace.
But we are still in a tough battle to contain this deadly menace, and relevant information certainly helps. And that’s my point of view.
