Congressman Cohen Demands Answers About Vaccine Distribution

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to Governor Bill Lee after press accounts indicated Shelby County's rate of coronavirus vaccination is the lowest in the state. With Black Americans suffering a disproportionately high share of coronavirus infections, Shelby County mirrors the national situation with 673 of its1,169 COVID-19 deaths being Black Memphians. Congressman Cohen's letter asks Lee to act "proactively," and "rectify this issue immediately."

Congressman Cohen's letter reads in part:

"Shelby County has acted in good faith throughout this public health crisis and has taken the appropriate steps to issue stay-at-home orders and mask mandates despite the state's reticence to issue state-wide guidance. Yet recent news reports indicate that the county is last when it comes to vaccination rates. These reports contradict your Administration's announced policy of giving inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas an additional 5 percent increase in vaccine allocations."

See the entire letter here.