COVID-19 Update
Unfortunately, today I must report that we have lost one of our own here in Cumberland County to COVID-19. My condolences to the family and friends that have lost a loved one.
32 active cases (up 2)
70 tested positive (up 2)
38 recovered (no change)
1 death officially reported
1,460 negative tests
1,530 total tested
Contact tracing is completed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). Once a patient is contacted about a positive test result by the health department or their local primary care physician, they are immediately contacted by the TDH contact tracing team who investigates their movements and persons that they may have come in close contact with. TDH considers close contact to be within six feet for more than 10 minutes. TDH employees will identify themselves when calling. Contact tracing is done out of the regional office. If you are contacted and have questions or concerns about authenticity, etc., feel free to call 931-646-7586.
These numbers are intended to be a brief summary of the information provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. More detailed information can be found here:
https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
Antibody Testing
I’ve had several questions lately about antibody testing. As Gov. Lee focuses on expanding COVID-19 testing, the Unified Command Group is working to provide information to help the Tennesseans understand how serology, or antibody, can, and cannot, inform the State’s re-opening strategy.
According to the Governor’s Office, although the research is still ongoing, this will give a first estimate of the number of Tennesseans with COVID-19 antibodies, which will assist in developing a strategy for more widespread antibody test of the general population. The Tennessee Department of Health will be distributing a technical brief to health care providers in Tennessee with details about antibody testing and its limitations. TDH is also working on a plan to test of up 10,000 health care workers in Tennessee’s public teaching hospitals.
More information including answers to several questions can be found here.
Governor Lee’s Plan to Reopen Gyms
Nashville, Tenn. — Today, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group announced guidance for gyms and exercise facilities on how to reopen safely. Gyms will be allowed to reopen in 89 of the state’s 95 counties beginning Friday, May 1. The counties excluded are those with locally-run health departments: Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan.
“Exercise is incredibly important for the physical and mental health of our population, and we want Tennesseans to have access to safe environments where they can exercise as appropriate,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “These guidelines outline best practices in keeping with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and health experts for gyms to reopen in a way that will keep their employees and customers safe.”
In addition to strict adherence to CDC guidelines, the State recommends gyms, fitness/exercise facilities, or substantially similar facilities and activities put into place an assortment of measures to protect consumers and employees. The full guidelines are posted online here.
Cloth Masks and Hand Sanitizer
The Cumberland County EMA is compiling a list of those selling cloth masks and hand sanitizer. If you are in need of either, please check out the link below. If you want to be placed on the list, message the EMA Director on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/ccctnema/
Health Department Testing
Your primary care physician and the local Health Department are capable of testing for COVID-19. The local Health Department (1503 South Main Street) is conducting drive through testing Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. For more information call 931-484-6196.
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 hearing my thoughts and views on news, events, and activities in Cumberland 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 