COVID-19 Update
The test data continues to come in batches. For example, over the weekend we received 961 results with 37 new positives. That is a positivity rate of 3.8 percent, which is considered to be good. Today, we only received 46 results with 3 new positives. That is a positivity rate of 6.5 percent, which is still under the 10 percent we hear discussed.
As I detailed in my last newsletter, I still believe our recovered numbers to be at least a week behind actual. Accurate date is important for many reasons. One example is how the schools use the data for the level of precautions they take. I will continue to press to get the data corrected.
I encourage you to follow all State and CDC guidelines. Wear a mask/face covering in public, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and don’t go out if you are sick.
The following are the numbers from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) for Cumberland County as of Monday, 8/24/2020 at 2:00 PM.
319 active cases
382 recovered
8 deaths officially reported
709 positive cases
37 hospitalizations *
16,222 negative tests
4.19% cumulative positivity rate (positive cases / positive cases + negative tests)
1.19% of residents have tested positive
0.53% of residents have active cases
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
* Hospitalization data reflect the cumulative (total) number of cases of Cumberland County residents that were ever hospitalized from COVID-19. It does not reflect the number of people currently hospitalized. This does not mean the patient was hospitalized in Cumberland County. It means that a Cumberland County resident was hospitalized at some point.
Broadband Update
Three of five!
Earlier this year we worked together to help providers submit five broadband grant applications. Providers in Cumberland County received two of those five grants, which was great. Now there are THREE grant approvals of those five!
New money became available for COVID-19 relief, and I worked with VEC at their request on gathering information to help them reapply for the Cumberland Cove grant. The grant was approved, and the work must be completed by December 15, 2020.
Pursuant to federal guidelines, these projects were limited to those that would enhance access to individuals and families affected during the COVID-19 pandemic by the lack of broadband access in their area. Eligible entities included those authorized to provide broadband services in Tennessee, and eligible areas were limited to those unserved or underserved locations lacking all equipment necessary to provide a broadband connection capable of supporting telemedicine, distance learning, and telecommuting.
Congratulations to those in the grant area! We didn’t get in this mess overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight either, but I will continue to work with providers to bring better broadband to Cumberland County!
Get more information here:
https://tnecd.com/news/gov-lee-announces-61-million-in-emergency-broadband-grants/, and here: https://www.facebook.com/volunteerenergycoop/posts/1811710918969085
Health Department Testing and Face Coverings
Masks/face coverings can help to slow the spread by slowing or stopping the droplets that carry the virus. Free cloth masks are available upon request at the Health Department for those that want one. Stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to pick one up for each individual in your household.
The local Health Department (1503 South Main Street) is conducting drive through testing, free of charge, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. No doctor’s order is required, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone can be tested regardless of symptoms.
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 Mayorhttp://allenfoster.net
allenfoster.com 