As of this writing, I have been notified by the TN Department of Health (TDH) that eleven residents of Cumberland County have tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Contact tracing is standard in all cases, so if you have been in close contact with someone that has tested positive, you will be notified. That is all the information that has been released at this time.
The expanded capability of testing at the Health Department and primary care facilities will likely continue to show increases in positive tests. The Health Department will continue testing Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. For more information call 931-484-6196.
Please keep yourself safe. Follow the guidelines that we have been talking about for weeks. You can help to slow the spread. That isn’t just a sentiment, it is the truth. Please do your part.
You ARE safer at home! Please stay home to the greatest extent possible.
Governor’s Executive Orders 21 and 22
I am still reading through the Governor’s new Executive Orders from this afternoon, but I wanted to send you this information as soon as possible. Executive Order 21 expands the list of businesses that must close through April 14. Executive Order 22 is an order directing Tennesseans to stay home unless engaging in essential activities. It states “this Order is not a shelter-in-place mandate and instead strongly urges Tennesseans to stay at home when at all possible for the protection of themselves and their community.”
The full text of the Executive Orders can be found here:
Mental Healthcare
Most of us have been experiencing high levels of stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are isolated to a great extent while dealing with unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Here is a list of mental health resources that are available:
- Text “TN” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and to immediately be connected to a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Click this link to learn about the Crisis Text Line
- The TN Charitable Care Network lists all charitable clinics in the state of Tennessee and can be accessed here: https://www.tccnetwork.org
- The “My Health Care Home” website directs Middle Tennesseans to their nearest charitable clinic (i.e., Matthew Walker, Neighborhood Health, etc.). It includes prescription discounts, screenings, and more information at www.myhchTN.org.
- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. If preferred, you can go to the website and participate in a chat feature.
- Go HERE for free, anonymous, evidence-based screenings for anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. Parents can take a screening to determine if their children are showing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The back-end of the screenings provides local resources and do-it-yourself exercises to help.
Thank you for being part of the solution and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your County Mayor. If you are interested in following the events of the county, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Thank you,
Allen Foster
Cumberland County Mayor
http://allenfoster.net
allenfoster.com 