CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery County has another COVID-19 death – the third one this week – bringing the total deaths here to 16.

The death was announced Saturday by Joey Smith, Montgomery County Health Department director, who was unable to release additional details. The 15th death was announced Thursday, Aug. 13.

Overall, Smith said earlier this week, Montgomery County has been lucky to not have as many active cases or deaths as similar-sized counties.

“Epidemiologists will look back and speculate why some communities had the spread contained, and maybe part of it is we have the youngest median age citizens, and that might be working in our favor. Some counties may have a higher percentage of people over 65 or with pre-existing conditions,” Smith said.

“There are communities that have the spread of death harder, and there are people hurting.”

The pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the Health Department employees and other health workers, he said.

“Every day and night I’m praying for our community and those who are sick. We are all tired, and it can wear on you and our healthcare workers.”

Coronavirus numbers

As of Saturday, Aug. 15, there are now 1,073 active cases of COVID-19 reported locally, up from 1,071 on Friday.

Here are the rest of the local statistics as of Saturday at 2 p.m.:

  • 2,088 lab confirmed and 30 probable cases for a total of 2,118 since March 6
  • 33 new cases today out of 421 new test results
  • 1,029 total recovered
  • 1,073 active cases
  • 16 total deaths
  • 221 total school-age cases (5-18)
  • 1 new hospitalization (residence correction)
  • 92 total hospitalizations
  • 26,667 total negative lab results

Opening schools

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is closely monitoring the data as it moves closer to the planned Aug. 31 opening of schools for students taking the traditional option.

“Medium spread,” defined as .5% to 1% active cases in Montgomery County, is one metric that could lead CMCSS to keep schools closed.

Based on a county population estimate of 209,000, medium spread would be 1,045 to 2,090 active cases, and the county had 1,073 active cases as of Saturday.

How to get a free coronavirus test

Free COVID-19 testing is offered by the Montgomery County Health Department in a temporary location at Civitan Park, 650 Bellamy Lane, from 7 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday. Follow the signs to the drive-up testing site.