NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennessee saw the steepest rise of positive COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, causing mixed emotions as the state prepares to re-open.
Between April 21 and April 22, there were 448 additional cases in the state.
The increase in positive cases may be attributed to simply an increase in testing. Over the weekend, an additional 11,000 tests were administered via the drive thru testing available in multiple counties. The governor’s office insists increased testing will provide them with more realistic data on just how many people have the virus.
Regardless, Governor Lee intends to begin a phased re-opening of the state, with executive orders set to expire April 30. Both the City Mayor Joe Pitts and County Mayor Jim Durrett have extended their own Shelter at Home executive orders until April 29 for Clarksville-Montgomery County.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there are a total of 7,842 cases as of April 22. In Montgomery County, there are 128 cases. There have been 1,993 tests administered in the county and 60 people are reported to have ‘recovered’ from the virus.
“For the good of our state social distancing must continue, but our economic shutdown cannot,” said Gov. Bill Lee.
Healthcare professionals are concerned this push to open the economy may put Tennesseans health at risk.