Warren County passed a grim milestone over the weekend when the county recorded its 50th death from COVID-19.
The virus has now claimed 51 Warren County lives as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
“Our prayers are extended to all of those who have suffered losses during the COVID crisis,” said County Executive Jimmy Haley. “There are few families who have not been touched by this terrible disease. We ask that our community stay vigilant and heed all the health recommendations to protect us from further deaths. We especially lift up all our healthcare providers who have been overwhelmed by this challenge. We need those heroes more than ever.”
As of Monday, 7,865 Tennesseans have died from coronavirus, according to the state. The Centers for Disease Control predicts deaths will continue on an upward trend for the rest of January with deaths nationwide between 405,000 and 438,000 by Jan. 30.
There were 373,167 deaths in the U.S. due to coronavirus as of Monday, the CDC reported.
The rollout of two COVID vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer are viewed as crucial to overcoming the pandemic. Thus far, Warren County healthcare providers, teachers, and residents over 75 are among those who have been given the opportunity to take the vaccine.
“There is hope,” said Haley. “Vaccines are here, but exposure is still a threat. The virus has taken way too many lives and we all must adapt and adjust in our efforts to ride out this storm. We need to do all we can in the days ahead to mitigate and contain the spread of the virus. One death is one too many. Together we can do this! We are Warren Strong.”