The first COVID-19 vaccine has been administered in Warren County and not a moment too soon.

North Warren Fire Department volunteer Jerry Wakefield was the first person to be vaccinated in Warren County when he received the first shot given by our Health Department on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m.

The first local vaccination comes as cases are soaring in Warren County and across the state. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there were 964 active coronavirus cases in Warren County on Sunday. The website had not been updated with new numbers as of Monday at 3:30 p.m.

Cases are surging throughout the state, prompting Gov. Bill Lee to hold a Sunday night press conference and sign Executive Order No. 70.

“I’m asking you to not engage in indoor gatherings for the holidays that include anyone outside your household,” said Gov. Lee.

The executive order limits public gatherings to 10 people and Lee also asked employers to allow employees to work for home for the next 30 days, if possible.

Lee also encouraged the 20% of Tennesseans who admit to not wearing masks in public to start wearing one.

“Masks work and I want every Tennesseans to wear one,” said Lee. “Tennesseans have two weapons that they must use in the next 30 days. Only gather with your household and wear a mask.”