July 23 COVID-19 update: 2,570 new cases, 37 additional deaths reported in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health reported 2,570 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday. This is the second-highest single-day number of new cases reported.

Statewide there has been a total of 86,987 cases and 51,661 Tennesseans are now considered recovered.

Thirty-seven additional COVID-19-related deaths were reported on Thursday, this is the highest number of deaths reported in a single day for the state. TDH said 925 Tennesseans have died from the virus since the outbreak began.

As of Thursday, 4,016 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19, an increase of 109 people in 24 hours.

Metro Public Health officials reported 407 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Two probable deaths have also been reported.

Including both confirmed and probable cases, Metro officials reported a total of 18,830 cases. Of those total cases, 18,807 are confirmed.

Dr. Alex Jahangir said the city's transmission rate is now at 1.08, which slightly lower than last week's 1.2 mark. The transmission rate needs to be below 1.0 to slow the spread of the virus.

Jahangir said the doubling rate for the virus is now 28 days, which has improved by five days since the first of the month and above the 14-day goal.

"We are far from declaring victory, but we are starting to see some positive outcomes over the past week," Jahangir said. "[The] doubling rate has gone up, transmission rate is starting to drop, the rolling average of new cases is stabilizing and the mortality rate is staying stable."

He said for those trends to continue to improve, Metro needs everyone's "partnership and commitment."

"We all need to do our part. Stay at home as much as possible, especially if you are sick or waiting to get your test results back. If you go out, wear a mask and keep your hands washed and stay apart," he said. "If we focus and work together, then our children can go back to school. Our economy can open up more, entertainment and sports venues can open up and most importantly, we can save lives."

Jahangir said two new probable deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, an 83-year-old woman with a pending medical history and a 36-year-old man with underlying health conditions.

As of Thursday, 161 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 169 deaths have been attributed to the virus.

So far, 13,116 individuals have recovered.

Available hospital beds: 16 percent
Available ICU beds: 20 percent

The MPHD COVID-19 Hotline received 67 calls on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.

Total number of cases: 18,830
Cases reported in the past 24 hours: 407

Cases by sex
Male: 9,571
Female: 8,992
Unknown: 267

Total Cases by age

When asked about recent calls to close all of lower Broadway, Mayor John Cooper responded, "Everything has to be on the table."

"We will observe and respond as required," he added.

During Tuesday's update, Cooper announced a new public health order that requires restaurants and businesses that serve alcohol to close by 10 p.m. beginning Friday.

Take-out, window, drive-through or curb-side service and delivery may continue after 10 p.m. However, alcohol sales via take-out, window, and curbside delivery are not allowed.

Bars and limited service restaurants are still closed until 11:59 p.m. on July 31.

On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Health reported 109 COVID-19 hospitalizations, making it the highest single-day increase since the pandemic began.