The number of COVID cases in DeKalb County continue to rise as the Delta variant seems to be infecting younger and healthier patients. Data shows that ages 11 to 60 now have a higher infection rate than the elderly.
As of August 20, data shows that there were 41 new cases, with a total of 217 active cases in the county. A total of 3,119 cases have been reported in DeKalb County, with 2,902 cases recovered. There have been 57 deaths attributed to the virus, with 58 people currently hospitalized.
The jump in infections is currently at a high not seen since January of this year. The county has seen an average of 40.7 tests per day over the past seven days, with the rate of positive tests at 18.9 percent. Data shows that the majority of cases are from the 21-30 age group, with overall cases from age 11 to 60, higher than elderly infections.
By comparison, Warren County has had a total of 6,008 cases, with 5,661 inactive or recovered, and 347 active cases. There have been 91 deaths reported, with 95 hospitalized. The DCHS Tigers football team’s season opener had to be cancelled last week due to COVID infections amongst the Warren County team.
Wilson County, which borders Nashville (Davidson County), has been hammered with 21,619 total cases, 20,152 reported recovered or inactive. They have 1,467 active cases, and seen 264 deaths from the virus, with 400 hospitalized.
Smith County reports 3,135 total cases, 2,893 recovered, and 40 deaths. They have 242 active cases, and 60 people are hospitalized.
Putnam County has 12,793 cases, with 12,064 recovered, and 729 active cases. They have seen 185 deaths, and have 225 hospitalized.
White County has 4,062 total cases, with 3,809 recovered, and 253 active cases. They have 75 deaths, with 127 hospitalized.
Cannon County, with half the population of DeKalb County, has seen 2,117 cases, 1,997 recovered, and 120 active. The county reports 32 deaths and 39 hospitalized.
Murfreesboro reports 48,277 cases, with 45,469 inactive or recovered. They have 2,808 active infections, and have seen 462 deaths from the virus, with 677 hospitalized.
Davidson County (Nashville) reports 99,375 total cases, with 94,262 recovered. They have 989 deaths, and 2,119 hospitalized. They currently have 5,113 active cases.
Statewide, Tennessee has reported 961,129 total cases with 13,041 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
Officials say that the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be spread through person-to-person contact, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or be inhaled into the lungs. Spreading the virus is more likely to occur when people are in close contact with one another (within about six feet for 15 minutes or more).
While proving to be controversial, health officials say that wearing a mask does slow the spread. They also help keep people who may have the virus, and do not know it, from transmitting it to others. Wear masks in public settings when around people not living in your household, and particularly where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.
With the rise of case numbers and the more contagious Delta variant spreading, it is more important than ever that people get vaccinated as soon as possible. The vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19 and has proven effective at protecting against all forms of the virus including the Delta variant.
Even those who previously believed themselves to be at a lower risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should exercise caution until they are fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated and exercising caution in public activities helps protect you and those around you.
