NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Lee announced during his daily COVID-19 briefing the state will be doubling down on a process called "contact tracing."
"Our number of positive cases is going to increase when people start interacting more, so it's really important that we bring on more contact tracing staff now, to help all of the 89 rural health departments that are serviced by the Tennessee Department of Health," said Dr. Lisa Piercey.
Contact tracing is when someone in the health department reaches out to a COVID-19 positive patient to see who they’ve interacted with before and after they became sick. Dr. Piercey says, this not only helps notify individuals who may have been exposed, it also helps them track the spread.
“It's easy to see how this number can get out of hand really quickly, so it requires increasing manpower to make these notifications,” says Dr. Piercey.
The state will now add another 230 employees dedicated to contract tracing. The added staff are already state employees who have volunteered to help out with the cause during this crisis. Piercey hopes to have those new additions trained by next week.
Governor Lee also re-emphasized that social gatherings of more than 10 will still be against the rules and that social distancing must be followed even after some businesses reopen.
While he didn't say they would use force to break up large social gatherings... but he did mention they would talk to groups who violate that order.
Tennessee will also receive $2.3 billion in federal aid from the CARES Act passed by Congress. The Governor said he would share more tomorrow about how they plan to spend that money.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
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Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
