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Tennessee COVID Numbers Continue Rising

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The week of January 2-8, there were 13,503 new COVID-19 cases per day, with 26,953 total tests taken. As nearly half of all COVID tests taken in the state per day come back positive, deaths and hospitalizations are also on the rise.

In Carroll County, the proportion of tests taken versus positive tests are similar. 47 percent of tests came back positive (34 positive tests, 38 negative tests) January 7 according to the Tennessee Health Department. The percent of positive tests is nearing those from mid-September.

Overall, the county has now had 6,532 positive cases, 195 hospitalized COVID patients, 130 deaths, and 5,960 recovered cases.

In Henry County, 40 percent of tests were positive (17 positive, 26 negative) January 7. In total, Henry County has amassed 6,131 cases, 226 hospitalized COVID patients, 119 deaths, and 5,659 recovered cases according to the Tennessee Health Department.

Weakley County’s numbers are the highest of the three. January 8, 52 percent (46 positive, 43 negative) of tests taken in Weakley County were positive. Overall, there have been 7,147 cases, 163 hospitalized patients, 107 deaths, and 6,597 recovered cases in Weakley County according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

For those choosing to wear masks, experts recommend upgrading to a high-filtration mask, like a KN95, for optimal protection against the pandemic. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for children ages 5-11, and boosters are recommended for adults after six months or more of getting their vaccine.

The Tennessee Department of Health recently coordinated a distribution plan for emergency-use oral antiviral COVID-19 treatments Paxlovid™ by Pfizer and molnupirvar by Merck. Treatment is free through Walmart pharmacies, and Tennesseans can visit www.walmart.com/covidmedication to find a participating Walmart pharmacy near them.

Beginning January 15, due to the Biden Administration’s efforts to increase COVID testing, many Americans can buy at-home COVID testing kits at no cost through their private insurance.

The administration will also distribute free home tests, which will be available to order beginning Wednesday, January 19. To order testing kits, go to COVIDTests.gov. Tests will typically ship within seven-to-twelve days of ordering.