There is a lot of new information in today’s newsletter, including the COVID-19 update, so be sure to read through to the end.
An entrepreneur in Cumberland County is weighing whether to open a new restaurant. A chain headquartered in the area is making regional hiring plans. A store in Cumberland County is deciding how to stock its shelves. All three businesses have one thing in common: They can use U.S. Census Bureau statistics to help guide their decision.
The census is important, and Cumberland County is behind in getting them completed! Please take the time complete your census today by visiting www.2020Census.gov or calling 844-330-2020 to get counted today! It matters.
Cloth Masks
Governor Bill Lee announced today that the state will continue to distribute the free cloth masks at local, state run Health Departments. The Governor announced the Environmental Protection Agency determined the masks were safe to use. The free cloth masks are again available at the Health Department (1503 South Main Street). Stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to pick one up for each individual in your household.
Reopening Tennessee
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in coordination with his Unified Command Group will release guidance today on requirements and options permitting Tennessee’s long-term care facilities to provide limited visitation options while keeping their resident populations safe from COVID-19.
The UCG guidance is being released in connection with a forthcoming executive order and will permit new forms of visitation beginning Monday, June 15, 2020.
Facilities that choose to re-open to visitors must first meet the following prerequisites:
- Testing of all staff and residents at least once, and compliance with applicable regulations regarding weekly staff re-testing;
- No new COVID-19 cases among residents or staff members in the previous 28 days;
- Compliance with Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities regulations and infection control guidelines;
- Overall stability of the disease burden present in the community where the facility is located.
Long-term care facilities who meet the prerequisites and allow limited visitation must follow guidelines, which include:
- Making appointments prior to visiting and limiting the duration of visits;
- Limiting the number of visitors per resident and daily visitors per facility;
- Enforcing visitor social distancing and mask requirements; and
- Screening all visitors with symptom and temperature checks immediately upon facility entry.
Long-term care facilities may utilize three options for limited resident visitation to take place:
- In an outdoor setting, weather permitting;
- Using a visitation booth or protective barrier; and,
- In a resident’s room if the visitor documents a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to the visit.
Separate provisions for visitation involving accommodations for support for residents with disabilities and other critical assistance or end-of-life care also remain in effect.
Cumberland County COVID-19 Update
26 active cases (no change from previous day)
127 tested positive (up 1 from previous day)
99 recovered (up 1 from previous day)
2 deaths officially reported (no change from previous day)
4,853 negative tests
4,980 total tested
2.55% percent of those that have been tested were positive
8.35% percent of residents have been tested
0.21% percent of residents have tested positive
0.04% percent of residents have active cases
I send my newsletter updates multiple times a week, excluding the weekends, but I update my social media almost daily. If you want to get these updates more frequently, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 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.
Thank you for being part of the solution and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your County Mayor.
Allen Foster
Cumberland County Mayor
http://allenfoster.net
allenfoster.com 