Health Department issues new directive on COVID-19 Delta variant

By Diana Fedinec

Due to the aggressive transmission and surge of the Coronavirus Delta variant in Shelby County, the Shelby County Health Department has issued Health Order No. 24 effective Aug. 3, 2021 at noon until Aug. 31.

The directive provides updates on vaccines and masks in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and strongly advises everyone to get vaccinated if eligible. Masks are highly recommended in all public indoor settings even for people vaccinated. Employers are encouraged to require COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated employees.

Southwest Tennessee Community College continues to monitor the Coronavirus and follow local, state and national health and safety guidelines from the CDC, Health Department and Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). At this time, mask wearing at Southwest locations is not required however highly recommended. Social distancing of three feet is required at all times. COVID-19 positive reporting and sanitization protocols remain in place.

All Southwest students, employees and visitors who test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to self-report online on the coronavirus section of the Southwest website. Please review the College's infectious disease policy and stay tuned for updates via email and on the College’s coronavirus website at www.southwest.tn.edu/coronavirus.

To read more about Shelby County Health Department’s most recent public health directives and loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, visit https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/. For information on vaccination eligibility and appointments, visit https://www.shelby.community/.