CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With 447 active COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County, a number that’s been rising for two weeks, local leaders are urging businesses to require masks for employees and customers.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County COVID-19 Dashboard shows an average of 23.93 new cases per day for the previous 14-day period in contrast with the current 14-day period daily rate of 38.67 or a 62% increase in daily cases in the most recent two-week period, according to a county news release.
“Our county is trending upward in the number of COVID-19 cases,” said Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett in the release. “We are letting our guard down by not taking the precautions our local health department and the Centers for Disease Control has asked us to take.
“It is imperative that we get back on track in and outside our homes, our places of employment, and when going in and out of businesses. I am making a plea with all businesses in Montgomery County to require masks for workers and patrons just as we do in local government offices. If we all do our part, there is no need for a mandate.”
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts echoed that sentiment.
“Please continue to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and wash your hands frequently. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe and virus-free,” Pitts said in the release.
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Although Montgomery County remains in a good position with an adequate amount of hospital beds currently available, according to the release, reports from the Tennessee Department of Health show that the number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Montgomery County and throughout the state.
Dr. Lisa Piercey, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, announced Tuesday that hospitalizations are up over 50% in Tennessee since Oct. 1. Reports indicate that some hospitals across the state are struggling to keep up with the number of ICU beds.
“It is important not to gather with family and friends who have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to dire COVID-19 consequences,” Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith said in the release. “These conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart conditions, immunocompromised state, obesity and severe obesity, sickle cell disease, smoking, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
“Fifty-one of our (Montgomery County) residents have died this year from COVID-19. Even small gatherings can be opportune places for the virus to spread. It is our individual responsibility to do all we can to protect those who are most at risk,” Smith said.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday that the Tennessee Department of Health has made COVID-19 related updates to their website to include a dashboard for each county in the state.
Smith said that with flu season upon us, it’s even more important to take precautions.
“It’s that time of year when people are experiencing sinus issues and the flu season has also started, so we need to be more cautious than ever about our health. Although COVID-19 is not the flu or sinuses, the initial symptoms can be very similar. It is important to get tested for COVID-19 so we can stop the spread of this virus and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms until you have your test results,” he said.
Free testing by the Montgomery County Health Department is available at Civitan Park, 650 Bellamy Lane, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
To see the latest COVID-19 reports on Montgomery County visit mcgtn.org.