Gov. Bill Lee announced this week his intentions for phased re-opening beginning next week, citing the number of new cases day-over-day was showing a 14-day downward trend.
That suggestion has been a point of contention in the state. For instance, COVID-19 Case Tracking by the Tennessee State Data Center shows the number of active cases dropped on April 15, but has been growing since and the number of new confirmed cases skyrocketed to a record high on April 21 – but Lee’s still moving forward.
This doesn’t mean we will be going back to normal though, said Covington Mayor Justin Hanson in a situational update Thursday evening.
“The bottom line is neither the data in Tennessee nor the data in Tipton County shows a downward trend in new positive cases,” he said. “The data is showing that we flattened the curve, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”
While mayors and business owners await the details of Lee’s plans, Hanson said the city is being proactive to plan a slow and deliberate re-opening.
“I know you’re getting anxious about the re-opening of the economy and getting back to work, and as soon as we have guidance from the governor’s office we will certainly share that with you.”
Hanson said that while restrictions on non-essential businesses will be loosened in the coming days and weeks, that does not mean that we can let our guard down.
“In fact, with the phased re-opening, for it to work in its best capacity you’re going to have to continue to double down in your efforts to keep that social distance and protect yourself. We’re anxiously awaiting and wanting to open the economy, but we’re wanting to keep you safe at the same time and we’re committed to doing that.”
“Once we hear from the governor and his office on the plan, we’ll fine tune our plan for our city and that plan will be clear and concise but will require your continued compliance and use of good common sense.”
What are the numbers today?
Confirmed cases: 87, which includes 29 inmate at the West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason and three from Saturday’s surge testing
Average increase in confirmed cases per day: 2.41
Testing
Tipton Countians tested: 1,046
Number negative: 959
The Tennessee Department of Health released a list of surge testing sites for the upcoming weekend; Tipton is not on the list, but you can still be tested for free at the health department from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The state is testing anyone who asks for a test.
Otherwise, if you’d like to be tested, check out our list of testing sites. Please note, medical professionals want you to call ahead.
Recovery and hospitalization
Number of Tipton Countians recovered: 41, an increase of three from yesterday
Number hospitalized at Baptist-Tipton: 2, both are COVID-19 positive
With 87 confirmed cases and 41 reported recoveries, this means there are at least 46 active cases of COVID-19 in Tipton County.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
