{Editor’s Note: The majority of the numbers and statistics used in this article were provided from the TN State Health Department and the COVID Act Now website. }
LOCAL NEWS — More Moore County citizens are likely unintentionally transmitting COVID-19 to their family, friends, and neighbors than other surrounding counties. That’s according to the latest positivity rates available from both the state department of health and COVID Act Now.
Moore County reported the highest positive test rate in the state on Wednesday. According to the state’s numbers, Moore County reported a 23.9 percent percent positive rate – meaning that one out of every five tests were positive. Percent positive metrics reflect the percentage of all coronavirus tests performed that are actually positive. It helps local leaders decide what the current rate of transmission is in the community and if we’re testing enough people. A high percent positive number means only the sickest individuals are being tested and there are likely more people with coronavirus in the community who haven’t been tested yet.
According to Wednesday afternoon’s numbers provided by the Tennessee Department of Health, Moore County gained 25 new, active COVID 19 cases over the last seven days for a total of 1,099 cases since the beginning of the global pandemic last spring. Regionally, the positive test rates of the surrounding counties were ranked as follows out of all 95 Tennessee counties: #22 Franklin County, #41 Bedford County, #43 Lincoln County, and #88 Coffee County.
Moore County continues to report the lowest vaccination rate in the state but it has increase from 18 to 19.3 percent over the past to weeks.
Here are the other key events and updates that have happened over the past seven days:
Moore County gained a COVID-related death this week. According to Wednesday’s update, the number of COVID-related deaths in Moore County increased from 17 to 18 this week. On Tuesday, Tennessee reported 41 COVID deaths, the worst single-day death toll since March 24, 2020.
Bonnaroo adds a vaccination proof requirement. On Tuesday, the Bonnaroo Music Festival in nearby Manchester announced that festivalgoers will need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter The Farm this year. It’s one of many music-related events and venues to announce vaccination requirements including 11 Nashville venues like Exit/In and 3rd & Lindsey as well as all performances by singer songwriter Jason Isbell. To read our full coverage, click here.
Pediatric COVID cases are on the rise in Tennessee. One troubling trend this week is the rising number of children being hospitalized with COVID-19. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 1,600 children across the U.S were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the last seven day – a 27 percent increase over the previous week. On Wednesday, Tennessee Health Commission Dr. Lisa Piercey said she expects the state’s children’s hospitals to be full by the end of this week.
Vaccinations are free and available in all 95 counties in Tennessee. There are no out of pocket costs to citizens. The Moore County Health Department offers vaccination appointment each week day. For more information, call them at 931.759.4251. •
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}