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COVID surge
The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Tennessee jumped 30% since Oct. 1, bringing the state to a near-record-high number of coronavirus hospitalizations heading into flu season. Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said during a news conference on Friday that while new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate for tests are going up, those increases are moderate in comparison to the spike in hospitalizations. Piercey said the patient surge is due to the "penetration of this virus in our rural communities," which typically skew older and experience higher rates of chronic disease — factors that put residents at an increased risk for serious and fatal COVID-19 infection. Tennessee's worsening outbreak drew attention from the White House, which issued a report last week saying that "a statewide mask mandate must be implemented" to curb the spread of COVID-19. But Gov. Bill Lee on Friday said that he will continue to leave the decision on whether or not to require face coverings in public to county mayors, most of whom have not taken that step. Lee also said it's "hard to know" if his recent decision to lift restrictions on business and gathering sizes in the state was to blame for the increase in cases. Lee and his wife continue to quarantine after last week being exposed to a security officer who tested positive for the coronavirus. Tennessee has 2,605 new confirmed cases since Saturday. Looking at local cases. Cocke currently has 103 active cases with 12 deaths Jefferson, 173 active cases and 18 Greene 214 active cases and a total of 49 deaths Hamblen currently has 223 active cases and a total of 43 deaths Sevier County has 310 active cases and has recorded 20 deaths.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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