“Mask Up Memphis” seeks to slow COVID-19 among African Americans; offers free masks

By Diana Fedinec

The City of Memphis and Shelby County have launched a “Mask Up Memphis” campaign to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 among African Americans who have been disproportionally impacted by the virus.  Close to 60% of COVID-19 fatalities and cases in Memphis and Shelby County are among African Americans.

Representatives Karen Camper and Senator Raumesh Akbari teamed up with Shelby County resident and Mask Up Memphis founder James Smith to promote the campaign which mirrors the “Mask Up and Live” campaign launched in Chicago in April to encourage African Americans to stay vigilant and wear masks during the pandemic.  The Mask Up Memphis campaign seeks to dispel misinformation about wearing masks and desires everyone to wear a mask to help flatten the COVID-19 curve in Memphis and Shelby County.

Southwest joins the clarion call to “face up” to the pandemic with #MaskUpSouthwest and #MaskUpSaluqis for the safety and good health of the city and College. In accordance with Shelby County Health Department and Centers for Disease and Control Prevention guidelines, Southwest’s Back to Campus Plan – Phase I requires the wearing of masks on campus whether you are walking outside or inside a building attending a class or working. The City of Memphis also recently passed Ordinance No. 5751 stipulating many businesses to require customers and employees to wear a facial covering.

Stay informed! To learn more about the importance of wearing masks, different types of masks, and where you can obtain a free mask or donate one, visit www.maskupmemphis.com.

Help support the Mask Up Memphis social media campaign by posting a selfie wearing your mask on the College’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #MaskUpSouthwest, #MaskUpSaluqis and #MaskUpMemphis!