LYNCHBURG — The latest weekly numbers released by the Tennessee Department of Health on Wednesday show that the rate of new infections is slowing in Moore County. From January 23-29, Moore County reported 110 new COVID-19 cases. For comparison, there were 171 new cases in the previous seven day period from January 16-22. These numbers do not included positive cases confirmed with rapid tests at home.

Bedford County remains the regional hotspot with the tenth highest number of daily new cases in the state, according to COVID Act Now. The number of new cases in the surrounding counties is as follows: Bedford, 986; Coffee, 936; Franklin, 763; and Lincoln, 590.

The trend follows that seen in larger cities like Memphis and Nashville last week pointing toward the fact that Tennessee may be approaching the endemic stage. State infectious disease experts stated last week that they are “cautiously optimistic” that the current wave of COVID-19 infections could be transitioning from pandemic to the endemic by the middle of February.

The reduction in cases is not happening statewide however. Washington County in East Tennessee reported one of the highest number of daily new cases with 2,140 new cases from January 23-29 and 12 new COVID-related deaths.

Despite a reduction in cases, hospital capacity in the state is still strained. According to the Hospital Capacity number supplied by the state, there a total of eight percent of floor beds and six percent of ICU beds available in the state. To view that data, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only locally-owned newspaper in Lynchburg and also the only woman-owned newspaper in Tennessee. 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.}