Every statistical indicator this week shows that Delta variant has officially arrived in Tennessee. And for those living in Moore County, an uptick in the number of cases just 20 miles down the road in nearby Franklin County should be cause for caution.

According to COVID Act Now, Franklin County’s positive rate shot up to 20.4 percent this week. For comparison, the Winchester area had a one percent positive rate on June 27. They now have the second highest positive test rate in Tennessee behind McMinn County and the top infection rate among all 95 Tennessee counties. These percentages are based on total population. To see Tennessee county data on COVID Act Now, click here.

However, it’s not only Franklin County that is experiencing an increase. In general, COVID cases are again on the rise in Tennessee and over the course of the past 14 days, the state transformed from flatlined numbers to the largest increase in new cases in the U.S.

In fact, Tipton County ranks number one in the entire nation for new cases. With a population of a little over 62,000, Tipton County near Memphis showed a 3800 percent increase in new cases in the last two weeks. Their vaccination rate is just 28.6 percent

As of Tuesday, Tennessee has the highest U.S. infection rate. According to CDC data, Tennessee saw a 400 percent jump in new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days. Forty three percent of the Volunteer State is now vaccinated ranking it 48 out of 50 states. Six southern states including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are all now considered U.S. hotspots.

Moore County’s new cases numbers increased by two this week from 1,033 cases to 1,035 cases. We continue to have the lowest vaccination rate in the state at a little over 18 percent.

The State of Tennessee offers free vaccinations to all citizens aged 12 and older in all 95 counties. For Moore County citizens, vaccinations are available at the Moore County Health Department as well as local pharmacies. To find a vaccine appointment near you, visit the Vaccine Finder website.•

{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.}