(MURFREESBORO) The Murfreesboro Rotary Club continues to meet, but instead of being at the country club, they are using a virtual format. On Tuesday (4/14/2020) Murfreesboro Rotary members learned that Mayor McFarland extended the "Stay At Home" for another week, and a re-start of the economy might happen in May.
The mayor noted that with so many persons at home, the city's Solid Waste Department is seeing a 50 per cent increase in the amount of garbage that's being collected weekly.
He also noted that the number of new positive cases for coronavirus have declined over the past several days.
They mayor is concerned that national forecasts predict that 40 per cent of small businesses are challenged and may not make it. McFarland strongly urges the public to "shop local" and help to keep family businesses alive.
When asked what the city has learned, what do you feel can be done if we have a recurrence in the fall?
The mayor commented, "How we restart an economy that was at an all time high, to now an all time low. We must have help from the state, and we must act smarter at city hall."
One issue that Mayor McFarland commented on was how many businesses have learned that they can operate from home, and will this create an abundance of rental property?
"As a government, we must figure how to act more efficiently", the Mayor concluded.
When asked if there is any enforcement of the "stay at home" law. He said, "The next step is marshal law, and no one wants that. Our police officers have been able to simply talk with everyone, even businesses--and have been successful."
Mayor McFarland Extends State of Emergency
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland told the Rotarians that we will have another "Stay At Home Week", as he extended the "State of Emergency" to April 21, 2020.
He said that the governor's statistics for April 14 show that of the 253 coronavirus cases that have occurred in Rutherford County from the beginning, 93 persons have recovered and 6 persons have died.
Surprising News
After telling of continuing the "Stay At Home" for another week, the mayor surprised the Rotary members with his next statement . . .
It should not be that big of a surprise, since both President Donald Trump and Governor Lee have hinted as May being studied as the time to restart the economy.
Once that happens, McFarland said that he will seek ways to reduce taxes on small businesses.
In addition, as a result of COVID-19's devastating impact on the economy, he expects Rutherford County will see a 30 to 40 percent decrease in sales taxes revenue 2021.
As a result of that, he said, "All City of Murfreesboro projects are on hold and we will probably have to dip into this city's Rainy Day Funds."
Grand Openings To REMEMBER
The mayor said with so many businesses opening at the same time, that our community is going to see a grand opening like they've never seen. However, he did have a warning for residents . . .
McFarland explained, "The challenges are because many restaurants and retailers have been totally closed, and their previous staff has either found new employment or become stale with their trade's techniques."
St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital
St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital's President and CEO Gordon Ferguson Rutherford County faired better with COVID-19 cases than other communities . . . s
Ferguson explained that efforts had been made to keep the local hospital from becoming overcrowded.
He explained, "Doing away with elected surgeries was one way."
The hospital leader said that the patient population had been in the 260 range prior to COVID-19, but currently is around 145 patients. Ferguson did note that those persons now at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital are generally at a much higher acuity level
Possibly one of the reasons that Tennessee might be able to re-start the economy in May is found in the projected models of coronavirus in the U.S. He noted that Tennessee had less of a surge than expected.
He said that from the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, the local hospital has had healthcare professionals in place to help the public . . .
Ferguson told the Rotarians that they even considered using the new construction area of the hospital, in the event the demand increased dramatically.
Ferguson thanked Dana Garrett at the Rutherford County Health Department and Joey Peay at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic for taking the lead in testing residents for the coronavirus.
Ferguson stressed that testing is important, but equally crucial is washing your hands regularly, avoiding crowds, social distancing, and self-quarantining when needed.
When asked if he was surprised at some of the residents who tested positive and what
Ferguson said, "Originally, we felt that senior citizens would be the most impacted. In reality, many young adults have tested positive who did not have a history of recent travel. At this time, we just don't know."
He noted that the droplets from coughing or sneezing have proven to be a major way of spreading COVID-19, and how they can stay for a long period of time, especially on hard surfaces.
Murfreesboro Rotary Club President John Hinkle said that club meetings are virtual during the COVID-19 "stay at home" period. However, the 100-year old organization normally meets every Tuesday at noon in the ballroom of the Stones River Country Club, 1830 N. W. Broad Street.
