CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In a press release, Clarksville and Montgomery County officials pleaded with residents to continue using the well-known COVID-19 safety practices of handwashing, wearing a mask and social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Officials pointed to the county's recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Over the last two weeks, there has been a 62% increase in daily cases.
“Our County is trending upward in the number of COVID-19 cases. We are letting our guard down by not taking the precautions our local health department and the Center 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” Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett said in the press release.
“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,” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said.
Officials said Montgomery County hospital bed capacity is still in good standing but across the state hospitalizations are up over 50% since October 1. Reports indicate that some hospitals across the state are struggling to keep up with the number of ICU beds needed to care for COVID-19 related patients.
“It is important not to gather with family and friends who have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to dire COVID-19 consequences. 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 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” said Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith.
Testing is available in Montgomery County at Civitan Park, located at 650 Bellamy Lane, every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“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,” added Smith.
To see the latest COVID-19 reports on Montgomery County visit mcgtn.org.
