Governor Lee has announced free COVID-19 testing for all Tennesseans, not just those who are symptomatic. Increased availability of testing has long been said to be one of the things that must be put in place before we can start thinking about re-opening the economy. Big step in the right direction!
Edible Memphis reported some good news yesterday: Although Hog and Hominy is closed for fire repairs, and is nowhere near Downtown, Downtowners can get Hog & Hominy pizza without having to drive out east. You can buy the $15 bake-it-yourself kits at Catherine & Mary’s. Pizza varieties include Quattro Formaggio, Margherita, Thunderbird! Forty Twice!, and a new one to be announced. This’ll be the first time Thunderbird! Forty Twice! has been sold on South Main since Frank’s Liquors closed.
If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, Chris Herrington has more on the pizzas.
The Shelby County Animal Welfare Coalition is soliciting pet food donations to feed pets of families hit financially by the pandemic.
From Mental Floss: How does a pool table recognize the cue ball?
Workers at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel (formerly Marriott) were part of a two-hotel Sheraton layoff also involving a Nashville hotel.
The FBI is warning of a new scam: Fake doctor’s notes informing a company that an employee has tested positive to COVID-19. In some cases this scam has cost businesses 6 figures in preventative measures and lost productivity.
From Max’s Sports Bar:
Hola! On your next stroll through S Main, grab one of our new Blood Orange Margarita Slushes and a small queso for only $12! pic.twitter.com/JuCEY33dph
— Max’s Sports Bar (@MaxsSportsBar) April 15, 2020
From Lifehacker: How to get your gym membership fees back during the coronavirus pandemic
East of Danny Thomas Blvd., Beale Street will be closed between Lauderdale and Orleans until further notice as part of the preparation to convert the old Commerical Appeal building at 495 Union into a COVID-19 overflow hospital.
If you like listening to streamed live local music to pass the time under house arrest, keep an eye on the Memphis Flyer music blog today. Every Thursday they’ll publish a list of live streamed concerts coming up for the next week.
Twelve more Downtown businesses have applied for emergency loans.
A friend of mine compared the quarantine to an in-school suspension. I like that almost as much as I like “house arrest.”
A couple of months ago I took a quiz that measured where I stood on two political scales: the traditional liberal/conservative, and libertarian/authoritarian. Watching politicians’ response to this crisis, particularly on more casual outlets, gives some excellent insight into where they stand on the libertarian/authoritarian spectrum.
One model has COVID-19 cases peaking today in Tennessee, estimating 632 hospital beds in use in Tennessee and 7812 beds available.
I guess I’ll hit Publish now and take a shower for the first time since Monday. I’m thinking about walking down to the grocery at Spindini in a bit to see what they have in their grab & go. Back later today or tomorrow with more news.