Madison County residents who passed away due to COVID-19 were remembered during a memorial ceremony on the west side of the Madison County Courthouse, Wednesday.

A total of 220 white flags representing a family member, neighbor or loved one lost in Jackson-Madison County due to COVID-19 are on display as a reminder of the pandemic.

The first reported case in Jackson-Madison County was March 20, 2020.

There have been 11,046 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Madison County – 10,745 have recovered.

“This is a solemn day,” said Jimmy Harris, Mayor of Madison County, “Think back one year ago – nobody had a mask on, nobody thought about washing their hands (outside) the basis we’ve been washing them, or staying away from other people – but our world has changed a whole lot in a year.
“Citizens who were alive and well a year ago who not here today.”

Harris said the memorial was to pay tribute – to remember not only those who have who died during this pandemic, but also remember all the family members.

“I think we’re through the worst of this storm,” Harris said, “But it’s still with us and will be with us for a while (so) we have to stay diligent.”

Tina Prescott, West Tennessee Healthcare, said all team members and dedicated physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists mourn the loss of those who passed due to COVID-19.

“We are right here with you and we mourn the loss of these lives, and we continue to fight hard to provide the care that’s needed for our COVID patients – as well as many other patients across the region,” Prescott said, “We are so blessed to be able to speak today on behalf of those who have passed away and we pray for those families and those friends who are left behind.”

(PHOTO: From West Tennessee Healthcare – Dr. Jackie Taylor, Chief Physician Executive, Amy Garner, Chief Compliance and Communications Officer, Tina Prescott, Chief Operating Officer)