MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The coronavirus is expanding rapidly throughout Memphis and Shelby County – and across the nation. Every demographic group is at risk of serious illness or worse. But other than our heroic healthcare workers, two groups are at special risk. They are elderly residents in nursing homes and those locked up in detention – including juveniles.
Even though virtually every age group has fallen victim to COVID-19, it’s clear that older individuals with various ailments and immune deficiencies are far more vulnerable to the virus. So it is absolutely imperative that extra precautions are taking at nursing homes and senior living facilities.
It was really disturbing to learn that the Carriage Court assisted living facility in east Memphis had multiple COVID-19 cases, but refused to make that information public – despite being urged to do so by the Shelby County Health Department. That’s inexcusable.
Transparency is vital – particularly when we are fighting a killer pandemic. The health department finally made the information public Wednesday. Which is probably of little comfort to residents and their families, and the staff.
RELATED: Mayor Jim Strickland should close Memphis City Parks until further notice, says Otis Sanford
RELATED: Memphis is still a city with a heart
Meanwhile, people in detention are also at risk – simply because it’s pretty hard to practice social distancing when you’re confined with other inmates. There have been calls to release juvenile offenders. But that won’t happen for those charged with violent crimes, including murder.
The frightening fact is, COVID-19 is spreading everywhere. We must stay safe. We also need transparency. And that’s my point of view.