The City of Memphis will remain under a “Safer-At-Home” order for at least another two weeks. As Mayor Jim Strickland lengthens the restriction, law enforcement officers are cracking down on non-compliant businesses, individuals and religious gatherings.
Officials have encouraged the public to call 311 to report those disregarding social distancing rules and regulations.
To date, the city is aware of 140 non-essential businesses that have been flagged for violations.
According to Strickland, with the exception of an individually-owned car wash, all establishments contacted by law or code enforcement have voluntarily shut down.
The car wash, he said, was forcibly ordered to close, though it's unclear what the consequences or outcome are.
It’s not just businesses that are resisting the new normal. Last Sunday alone, police received nearly 60 calls about crowd violations, including 15 at area churches.
Still, Strickland says in-person conversations are largely working to convey the seriousness of the regulations.
“When Memphis Police showed up [and] talked to the folks about the order and the need for social distancing, the vast majority just voluntarily complied,” he said at a Monday afternoon briefing.
One national model, updated Monday, showed a less dire outlook than it did last week for Tennessee healthcare systems’ inability to handle a coming influx of COVID-19 patients. Previously, it found that by the time hospital admittances peak in about three weeks, the state will need two times more hospital beds than are currently available.
New predictions indicate there may be sufficient capacity.
Strickland said the city is still preparing for the worst. The Army Corps of Engineers is already converting a strip mall in north Memphis into a temporary, field hospital. Another location is expected to be announced this week. The plan calls for 1,000 additional hospital beds in the Memphis area and upwards of 3,000 statewide.
Strickland explained that the reason the model is changing to more positive outcomes is a consequence of strict "shelter-in-place" measures.
“We can’t let up,” he said.
To report a violation:
Call the City of Memphis' 3-1-1 line
The Shelby County Mayor’s Action Line: 901-222-2300
The Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline: 833-943-1658
Email shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov.
This post has been updated to reflect that the carwash referenced was forcibly ordered to close, not forcibly closed. It's unclear if the business received a citation.