DeKalb County’s COVID-19 cases continue to increase. Holding steady at 25 last week, the weekend saw the number increase to 27 with a total of 28 as of press time Monday.

Assessments will continue to be conducted at the DeKalb County Health Department on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-3pm. but on Tuesdays and Thursdays the testing will be done only from 1 to 3 p.m.

Anyone, with or without COVID-19 symptoms who has concerns, is invited to receive testing for COVID-19. This testing will be provided at no cost to participants, and those who come for testing can remain in their vehicles throughout the process of collecting their samples.

Nurses and/or National Guard medics will collect nasal swabs from those who want to be tested, and test results may be available within 72 hours after the samples arrive at the lab, depending on lab volume.

DeKalb County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 27.

As of Sunday, May 10, the Tennessee Department of Health reported that 847 people had been tested with 820 negative results and 27 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus and 16 of the 27 persons tested positive have recovered.

At 27 cases, DeKalb County ranks 4th highest in the Upper Cumberland region behind Putnam with 175, Cumberland 85, and Macon 58, Other counties in the region with COVID-19 cases are Smith 24, White 16, Cannon 13, Warren 12, Overton 11, Jackson 10, Clay 6, Fentress 6, Van Buren 2, and Pickett 1.

Meanwhile the health department has reusable face masks for anyone needing them but please call in advance at 615-597-7599 to let them know how many people in your immediate family need a mask. Upon your arrival the health department staff will bring the masks to your car. Please do not come inside the health department to get your mask for the protection of the public and staff.

Tennessee’s Coronavirus Public Information Lines are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., CDT daily at 833-556-2476 or 877-857-2945.