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Coronavirus Update

March 16, 2020

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update

In an effort to keep TN-09 constituents up to date on the coronavirus situation, I will share updates with important information. I hope you'll take some time to look at this information. As always, if you need to reach my office please call 901-544-4131 for the Memphis office and 202-225-3265 for the D.C. office. Updates will be posted on my website: www.Cohen.House.Gov.

Tennessee has 39 confirmed Coronavirus cases. Two are in Shelby County. Arkansas has 16 confirmed cases. Mississippi has 10.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on Covid-19 can be found here. The CDC issued guidance Sunday that gatherings of 50 or more people should be postponed or canceled for the next eight weeks.

Please follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at Coronavirus.gov.

That guidance includes:

• Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds

• If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer that is 60 percent alcohol

• Put distance between yourself and other people

• Avoid physical contact with other people

• Stay home if you're sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

The Shelby County Health Department's latest updates on the Coronavirus outbreak can be found here. The Health Department's Covid-19 Call Center can be reached at 833-943-1658.

All schools and district offices of Shelby County Schools are closed through March 27 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. According to its website: "The Parent Welcome Center can still be reached by phone during regular business hours at (901) 416-5300. The Office of Student Records will also continue to process online requests for records, such as transcripts and diplomas. The Student Records office can be reached at (901) 416-5830. All other in-person and phone support will not be available during the closure."

Today, Governor Bill Lee urged every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools closed by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest.

Any Veteran with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. The VA urges Veterans to call before visiting. See more guidance here.

The National Civil Rights Museum has closed temporarily and commemoration of the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death has been canceled.

Memphis Public Libraries will close Wednesday, March 18, and all programs and events have been suspended. Find updates here and online access to the collections here.

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