Photo by Luc Brown
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Madison County rose by three Monday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 41, according to Kim Tedford, executive director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department.
The new COVID-19 cases were announced Monday morning by Tedford during a media briefing.
The newest patients include:
- 54-year-old male (not hospitalized)
- 27-year-old male (not hospitalized)
- 62-year-old female (not hospitalized)
They were instructed to self-isolate at home.
The health department’s epidemiology staff is reaching out to people who had contact with the patients. Tedford said her department has been able to connect some of the 41 patients to other patients, stating that they might have been at the same social gatherings at one time.
Tedford said five of the 41 patients are hospitalized with two on ventilators.
“We have not had a death from COVID-19,” Tedford said.
So far, Tedford said it has received five positive COVID-19 test results from the Mar. 26 drive-through assessment site at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Fifty-six people tested negative and five tests are still pending.
Tedford said what has been frustrating for her department is the fact that by the time they get some of the results and contact the patient, some patients have already gotten over the novel coronavirus.
But, Tedford said the community has to remain vigilant because the 41 cases are the only ones confirmed and that there are others who probably have the novel coronavirus.
Tedford said the wearing of mask or covering over the nose, mouth and under the chin has been recommended by the CDC, not to keep people from catching COVID-19, but to keep others from spreading it.
Tedford also said that if you were gloves, you need to change them frequently or you will only be cross-contaminating items and surfaces and if you come into contact with COVID-19, you could spread it.
According to models, Madison County is expected to peak in its number of COVID-19 cases mid-April to end of April.
Also speaking during the media brief was Madison County Sheriff John Mehr, who said his office has seen an uptick in domestic violence calls because people are staying at home. He also warned people to watch their alcohol intake.
Mehr said he has noticed the volume of traffic decrease since the Stay At Home executive orders have been in effect.
Mehr said nurses at his office check inmates that come in and will move inmates to isolation if they are symptomatic. He said the office has not had any COVID-19 cases.
Find more information about COVID-19 from the Tennessee Department of Health at https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/COVID19.