Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department COVID briefing September 1, 2021.

Jackson, TN.

This week’s COVID briefing got heated. Conversations revolving around new mask mandates and stricter COVID protocols for the safety of Madison County residents. With a new resolution put in place, Jackson Madison County School system has decided upon yet another mask regulation for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

Greg Hammond (Communications Director JMCSS) stated, The Jackson Madison County School system will do its part to help reverse this trend. With the resolution that was the joint resolution that was signed. We want our families to know that. Starting Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, October 1. We know that masks have been optional, but now they will be required. That will begin Tuesday, September 6.”

While masks will now be required Jackson Madison County School system is aware of Governor Bill Lees’ executive order and will allow students to opt out of this mandate through the executive order. West Tennessee Healthcare Physician is nervous about the rates of COVID-19 increasing in young people.

Jackie Taylor (West Tennessee Healthcare Physician) informed us, “One of the tragedies, we’re seeing it in younger people. Seeing our pediatrics patients are going up. There were 79 pediatric patients admitted across the state. That may not sound like a lot, but there are only a few pediatric hospitals in the state.”

Dr. Taylor gets emotional while speaking on the rise in current cases.

Jackie Taylor (West Tennessee Healthcare Physician) stating, “You know we’re having 20- and 30-year old’s die from this. The thing that got my attention. One of the nurses told me mothers are not going home to their children.”

Jackson City Mayor warns citizens of the impacts the increase in covid numbers is having on healthcare workers.

Scott Conger (Jackson City Mayor) “They’re at a point. Our hospital system is at a point. They’ve stopped surgeries that our healthcare professionals who are already stretched thin. Who I know you are tired of hearing us talk about COVID. Let me tell you who’s really tired of talking about covid. It’s the people who are taking care of sick patients every single day.”