So much for COVID-19 going away after the election.
The virus is running rampant with a record number of reported deaths and hospitalizations in Tennessee on Wednesday.
A surge in COVID cases has prompted County Executive Jimmy Haley to reinstate the countywide mask mandate in an effort to slow the virus spread. Haley has issued Executive Order No. 3, which takes effect Friday, Nov. 13.
“The COVID-19 Preparedness Response Team met and unanimously voted to reissue a facemask mandate across Warren County to protect the safety and security of our residents,” said Haley.
Tennessee was hit with 89 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, a statewide record. There were also 1,713 people hospitalized Wednesday, another one-day record.
Soaring COVID numbers are being felt at Saint Thomas River Park Hospital where CEO Dale Humphrey says the number of virus cases is at full throttle.
“Currently our ICU is full with COVID-19 patients and we have had 15 or more positive patients in-house for several days,” said Humphrey. “Our average daily census is up and we are treating more COVID patients than at any other time during the pandemic.”
According to the latest numbers released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Health, Warren County has 283 active COVID cases with 14 deaths. Since the start of the virus, 1,858 Warren County residents have tested positive, according to the state.
Tennessee has seen a total of 296,725 positive cases and 3,788 confirmed deaths. There are 34,198 active cases statewide, according to TN Department of Health figures.
EXECUTIVE
ORDER NO. 3
Under Haley’s new executive order, the first item says:
“A mandate order is enacted for all residents and visitors in settings where close proximity to others is anticipated and especially where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Persons are urged to wear facemasks in all other public spaces where the exposure to the virus can occur. Large public gatherings are strongly discouraged, and any such event should have a written plan in place in order to protect participants from any exposure to the virus.”
It continues, “Both city of McMinnville and Warren County law enforcement officials will promote the use of masks in public areas and will issue verbal warnings when there is a disregard for the use of masks and social distancing guidelines established by the CDC and Public Health Department. Residents are asked to practice precaution against spreading the COVID-19 virus and support all measures taken to promote the safety and welfare of everyone in our community and across the region. Coverings do not have to be placed on children under 2 years of age.”
AROUND
THE NATION
The U.S. has recorded over 240,000 deaths and more than 10.3 million confirmed infections, with new cases soaring to all-time highs of well over 120,000 per day over the past week. Health experts have blamed the increase in part on the onset of cold weather and growing frustration with mask-wearing and other precautions.
Cases per day are on the rise in 49 states, and deaths per day are climbing in 39. A month ago, the U.S. was seeing about 730 COVID-19 deaths per day on average. That has now surpassed 970.
Among the many health officials sounding the alarm is Dr. Julie Watson of Integris Health in Oklahoma.
“We are in trouble,” she said. “If nothing is done soon to slow the rise in cases, our hospitals will be more overwhelmed than they already are and we won’t be able to be there for all of those who need it.”
The American Medical Association renewed its plea for mask-wearing, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing.
“With the holidays quickly approaching, each of us must do everything possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” AMA president Susan Bailey said. “Failing to do our part will prolong the suffering and disruption to our lives and inevitably lead to more deaths of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.”
In other developments:
— The NFL’s Minnesota Vikings said it will close its remaining home games to fans, as the state blew past its record for new deaths in a day. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced new restrictions on bars and restaurants and said he wishes the neighboring Dakotas would take more aggressive steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus. He said this summer’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota was “absolutely unnecessary” and helped spread the virus beyond that state.
— Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued new orders on mask enforcement at businesses, while threatening to close bars, restaurants and fitness centers if infections keep surging. The Republican governor shifted the authority over mask enforcement from the counties to the state. If a business receives more than one violation, it must close for 24 hours. He’s also requiring businesses to display “No Mask, No Service” signs and refuse service to customers who don’t comply.
— North Dakota continues to have the most new COVID-19 cases per capita in the nation, according to Johns Hopkins data, with one in every 83 residents testing positive in the past week.
— A group of Utah teachers encouraged colleagues statewide to call in sick Thursday and use the day to get tested for the virus. Some teachers believe the action could prompt state officials to do more to increase classroom safety.
