CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County have prompted an urgent plea by local mayors for residents to remain vigilant in the battle to prevent the spread of highly infectious disease.
COVID-19 cases have grown over the last 14-day period in comparison to the previous 14 days. The current 14-day period daily rate has jumped to 38.67, a 62 percent increase in daily cases over the previous 14-day report.
“Our County is trending upward in the number of COVID-19 cases. We are letting our guard down by not taking the precautions our local health department and the Center for Disease Control has asked us to take,” County Mayor Jim Durrett said. “It is imperative that we get back on track in and outside our homes, our places of employment, and when going in and out of businesses. I am making a plea with all businesses in Montgomery County to require masks for workers and patrons just as we do in local government offices. If we all do our part, there is no need for a mandate.”
City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts amplified the message.
“Please continue to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and wash your hands frequently. \Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe and virus-free,” Mayor Pitts said.
Montgomery County remains in a good position with an adequate amount of hospital beds currently available. However, the Tennessee Department of Health reports COVID-19 cases are on the rise not just in Montgomery County but throughout the state. Dr. Lisa Piercey, state Health Commissioner, said Tuesday that hospitalizations are up 50 percent in Tennessee since Oct. 1. Reports indicate that some hospitals across the state are struggling to keep up with the number of intensive care unit beds needed to care for COVID-19 patients.
Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith said residents should not gather with family and friends who have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to extreme COVID-19 consequences. These conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart conditions, immunocompromised state, obesity and severe obesity, sickle cell disease, smoking, and Type 2 diabetes.
“Fifty-one of our county residents have died this year from COVID-19,” Smith said. “Even small gatherings can be opportune places for the virus to spread. It is our individual responsibility to do all we can to protect those who are most at risk,” Smith said.
“It’s that time of year when people are experiencing sinus issues and the flu season has also started, so we need to be more cautious than ever about our health,” Smith added. “Although COVID-19 is not the flu or sinus problems, the initial symptoms can be very similar. It is important to get tested for COVID-19 so we can stop the spread of this virus and, if you are experiencing symptoms, stay home until you have your test results.”
Free COVID-19 testing by the Montgomery County Health Department is available at Civitan Park, 650 Bellamy Lane, every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To see the latest COVID-19 reports on Montgomery County visit www.mcgtn.org.