Coronavirus updates: Tennessee has 1,961 new COVID-19 case, 21 new deaths
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Sunday, Aug. 16
Tennessee reports 1,961 new cases of COVID-19, 21 new deaths
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 1,961 new coronavirus cases Sunday. That brings the state's total to 133,708 cases. There are currently 39,687 active cases in Tennessee.
The state reported 21 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,366.
At least 5,847 people have been hospitalized in Tennessee, an increase of 34 in the past 24 hours. As many as 92,655 Tennesseans have recovered, including 555 new recoveries reported by the state on Saturday.
At least 1.85 million coronavirus tests have been performed statewide.
Nashville police cite two businesses over COVID-19 violations
The Metro Nashville Police Department cited two businesses for operating in violation of COVID-19 orders from the city's health department.
Los Paisanos in Antioch and The Rusty Nail in Hermitage were both cited, according to a tweet from MNPD. It was not immediately clear which orders were violated.
Metro police also cited 16 people for violating the county's face mask mandate and issued more than 1,900 warnings on Saturday. MNPD has ramped up enforcement of face mask mandates and health department orders in recent days, with enhanced enforcement along Broadway and Demonbreun Street and in the Gulch.
Nashville reports 107 new cases, one new death
The Metro Nashville Department of Public Health reported an increase of 107 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours on Sunday.
That brings Davidson County to a total of 24,143 cases. There are 2,837 active cases in the county. A total of 21,095 people have recovered from the virus.
"One additional confirmed death has been reported in the past 24 hours, a 23-year-old man with underlying health conditions," the health department said in a release.
So far, 211 people in Davidson County have died after a reported case of COVID-19, including both confirmed and probable cases.
In addition, 194,917 tests have been given, with a 12.4% overall positive rate. Available hospital beds in Middle Tennessee stood at 17%, while available ICU beds stood at 12%, officials reported.
Saturday, Aug. 15
State reports 1,289 new cases, 19 new deaths
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 1,289 new coronavirus cases Saturday. That brings the state's total to 131,747 cases. There are currently 38,302 active cases in Tennessee.
The state reported 19 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,345.
At least 5,813 people have been hospitalized in Tennessee, an increase of 88 in the past 24 hours. As many as 92,100 Tennesseans have recovered, including 777 new recoveries reported by the state on Saturday.
At least 1.8 million coronavirus tests have been performed statewide.
Nashville police make one mask-related arrest, issue more than 1,000 warnings
On Friday night, Nashville police made one arrest while enforcing the city's mask requirement, the Metro Nashville Police Department said Saturday in a post on Twitter.
Officers also gave more than 1,000 warnings and issued nine citations.
The police department's enhanced enforcement of the mask mandated continues Saturday afternoon and evening on Broadway, Demonbreun Street and in the Gulch.
Nashville cases rise by 228 cases, no new deaths reported
The Metro Nashville Department of Public Health on Saturday reported an increase of 228 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That brings Davidson County to a total of 24,036 cases. The total number of active cases in the county is 2,822, with 21,004 people recovered from the virus.
So far, 201 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 210 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.
In addition, 193,796 tests have been given, with a 12.4% positive rate. Available hospital beds stood at 16%, while available ICU beds stood at 12%, officials reported.
Friday, Aug. 14
After lawmakers refuse to wear masks, Tennessee legislature sees new confirmed COVID-19 case
Days after the Tennessee General Assembly concluded a three-day special session, there’s been another confirmed case of COVID-19 among lawmakers and employees.
On Friday, director of legislative administration Connie Ridley told The Tennessean since early May, 12 people who work at the legislature — including lawmakers and staff — had tested positive for COVID-19.
On Tuesday, Ridley said 11 people had tested positive since May.
Williamson school chief positive for COVID-19 as board debates reopening
After Williamson County Schools Superintendent Jason Golden revealed that he was in quarantine via Zoom, school board members passionately aired their concerns and opinions about reopening schools at a work session on Thursday.
According to WCS Communications Director Carol Birdsong, Golden quarantined due to a family member who tested positive for COVID-19.
On Friday, the district confirmed that Golden had tested positive for COVID-19.
State reports 1,947 new cases and 13 new deaths
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 1,947 new coronavirus cases Friday. That brings the state's total to 130,458 cases. There are currently 37,809 active cases in Tennessee.
The state reported 13 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,326.
At least 5,725 people have been hospitalized in Tennessee, an increase of 77 in the past 24 hours. As many as 91,323 Tennesseans have recovered, including 2,172 new recoveries reported by the state on Friday.
At least 1.8 million coronavirus tests have been performed statewide.
Nashville cases increase by 213, no new deaths reported
The Metro Nashville Department of Public Health on Friday reported an increase of 213 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That brings Davidson County to a total of 23,808 cases. The total number of active cases in the county is 2,761, with 20,837 people recovered from the virus.
So far, 201 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 210 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.
In addition,192,338 tests have been given, with a 12.4% positive rate. Available hospital beds stood at 14%, while available ICU beds stood at 12%, officials reported.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Springfield Electrolux reports COVID-19-related employee death
A 64-year-old male employee at the Springfield Electrolux plant has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19, company spokeswoman Eloise Hale confirmed Thursday morning.
The company learned of the man's death Wednesday and did not release his name.
It was also not clear when the employee was diagnosed with the illness or how long he'd been away from work.
In a company statement, Electrolux expressed "deep sadness" after learning about the death, and company officials said they "want to provide as much support as we can to his family."
2 new deaths, 45 cases in state prisons
The Tennessee Department of Correction reported that this week has seen two new deaths among people incarcerated at state prisons.
A 55-year-old man died at the Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility in Nashville on Sunday and a 26-year-old man incarcerated at Whiteville Correctional Facility died in a local hospital after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. They both had underlying health conditions, a TDOC spokeswoman said.
This marks the seventh and eighth deaths reported by the state of prisoners incarcerated in state facilities. Lois M. DeBerry is a facility that treats inmates with medical and mental health needs.
There are currently 45 active cases in state prisons.
Prisons that have active cases:
- Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility in Nashville: 18
- Women's Therapeutic Residential Center in Henning: 10
- Hardeman County Correctional Facility in Whiteville: six
- Debra K. Rehabilitation Center in Nashville: four
- Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City: two
- Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville: one
- Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville: one
- Turney Center Industrial Complex in Only: one
- West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning: one
- Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville: one
Prisons that have had deaths:
- Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville: three
- Whiteville Correctional Facility: two
- Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility in Nashville: two
- Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville: one
Davidson County: Civil jury trials delayed until 2021
Civil jury trials in Nashville will be suspended until 2021, the county's top judge ordered Thursday.
Criminal trials will remain on hold through September, as under a previous order, while the judges monitor the pandemic to determine when its safe to reopen.
COVID-19 cases confirmed in 11 Sumner schools
Less than two weeks after starting the school year during a pandemic, at least 11 Sumner County Schools are reporting positive cases of COVID-19.
It was not immediately clear how many cases have been reported in each school or whether those cases were spread among students or staff.
Davidson County Clerk's Office closing through Monday for coronavirus cleaning
The Davidson County Clerk's Office will close its main branch on Friday for deep cleaning because of the coronavirus.
Although County Clerk Brenda Wynn didn't explicitly say if an employee was sick with COVID-19, she said that "this office ... has not been spared."
The Metro Health Department recommended the office, which serves 500 people daily, close Friday for a "thorough cleaning," Wynn said. The branch will reopen Monday.
Open satellite locations and services are available at the following:
- Bodenhamer North Police Precinct, 2231 26th Ave. North,
- Green Hills Branch, Graces Plaza, 4009 Hillsboro Pike, #207
- Hermitage Police Precinct, 3701 James Kay Lane
- Madison Branch, 501 Heritage Drive
- South Police Precinct, 5101 Harding Place
Nashville mayor announces modified Phase 2 to start Monday
Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced starting Monday limited service restaurants and bars may reopen with a maximum of 25 patrons or however many can be socially distanced – whichever is less.
All customers must be seated and bar counters will remain closed.
Additionally, all restaurants and bars must close to the public and empty nightly by 10:30 p.m. To-go/curbside alcohol sales and open containers of alcohol are still disallowed in the Midtown and downtown areas.
Current public health orders, including a mask mandate in public, will remain in effect through at least Aug. 31.
Nashville reports 161 new cases, no new deaths
The Metro Nashville Department of Public Health on Thursday reported an increase of 161 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That brings Davidson County to a total of 23,595 cases. The total number of active cases in the county is 2,776, with 20,609 people recovered from the virus.
So far, 201 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 210 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.
In addition, 189,997 tests have been given, with a 12.4% positive rate. Available hospital beds stood at 13%, while available ICU beds stood at 12%, officials reported.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
120 students in Lebanon moved to remote learning after COVID-19 test
Approximately 100 sixth-grade students at Winfree Bryant Middle School in Lebanon have been shifted to distance learning for the next 14 days because of a positive COVID-19 test.
The district also reported later on Wednesday that a third-grade class at Byars Dowdy Elementary in the city with about 20 students was going to be shifted to online learning for 14 days.
The number of students at Winfree Bryant represents about half the sixth grade class, according to Lebanon Special School District Director Scott Benson said.
Two schools in Hamilton County close after first day of school due to confirmed COVID-19 cases
Two schools will be closed in Hamilton County, the first of the state's large urban districts to reopen, Thursday — just a day after students returned to the classroom.
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, a K-12 magnet school, and Loftis Middle School in Hamilton County will be closed Thursday and Friday after an individual at each school tested positive for COVID-19, the Times Free Press first reported.
Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga is the fourth largest school district in Tennessee and is the first to reopen since schools closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
TN schools chief: Masks recommended for middle, high school students
The Tennessee Department of Education is encouraging school districts to require middle and high school students, and all staff members, to wear face masks as schools reopen this fall.
During a press briefing Tuesday, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said the department is encouraging face coverings be worn in schools, but the department is leaving it up to local school districts to mandate masks.
Previously guidance on the state education department website said face coverings for all students were expected as part of other prevention measures
Tuesday, Aug. 11
United Way accepting grant applications for COVID-19 relief funding
The United Way of Greater Nashville announced Tuesday it has been selected as a grant administrator for state and local CARES Act grant funding.
The state chose the United Way as a grant administrator for the TN Community CARES Act program’s COVID-19 relief efforts and Music City selected United Way as a grant administrator for Metro Nashville’s CARES Act funding.
As a grant administrator, the nonprofit organization will decide allocation amounts and recipients. It is also responsible for monitoring spending of approved programs.
State launches dashboard to track school closings due to coronavirus
As school districts across the state grapple with reopening schools and how to handle confirmed COVID-19 cases among students and staff, the Tennessee Department of Education has launched a dashboard to track school closings.
The dashboard will provide information on each of the state's more than 140 school districts, including the date of the district's first day of school and whether students are learning in person, remotely or a mix of both.
"As districts have changes throughout the year, (the dashboard) will be updated automatically. Families and community members looking for information on the opening of schools can do that in a very transparent and public way," Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said during a news briefing with Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday.
State reports 125 new hospitalizations, a single-day high
Tennessee reported 125 new hospitalizations on Tuesday, the highest single-day total ever. The state is averaging about 80 hospitalizations a day.
Hospitalizations peaked in late-July at 82 per day.
MNPD issues 58 citations, arrests 4 for mask violations
Metro Nashville Police Department interim Chief John Drake said that since last Thursday, police have issued 58 citations and arrested four people for failure to comply with the city's mask mandate.
Meanwhile, he said, officers continue to warn hundreds.
Police also plan to increase mask-related patrols in other areas of the city where bars are located including the Gulch.
Drake also said 49 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19. Of them, 25 have recovered and since returned to work.
Monday, Aug. 10
Christiana Middle starts with distance learning after COVID-19 cases
Christiana Middle School will start with distance learning for all students until Aug. 24 after two employees tested positive for COVID-19, spokesman James Evans reported in a message to parents.
"We have two others who are exhibiting symptoms, and 10 others who must complete a precautionary quarantine because they had close contact with those individuals," Evans said. "Those on quarantine include some members of the school’s administration and leadership team."
More than 80 students quarantined in one county after exposure to COVID-19 at school
More than 80 students in Putnam County are quarantined since the first week of classes after a student tested positive for COVID-19.
A student at Cookeville High School has tested positive, The Associated Press reported, and others who were in close contact with the student have been told to quarantine for 14 days, according to the mostly rural school district.
An additional seven teachers and staff, and a bus driver, are also at home due to a positive test or coming into close contact with someone who tested positive.
Many of the contacts occurred outside of school or before the academic year began on Aug. 3, the district said.
Nashville party buses cited for noise, alcohol in Franklin
Williamson County residents might have been taken by surprise last weekend to see Nashville party buses rolling through the streets of Cool Springs.
The open air party buses caught the attention of the Brentwood and Franklin police departments, which both have jurisdictions in the area. Though neither city has specific "transpotainment" policies, the buses were asked to leave the area because of other issues.
Franklin's police patrol wrote the party barges up for noise violation and alcohol consumption on public streets, both of which are in the city's municipal code, according to city officials.
State to distribute $150M to nonprofits
The state will distribute $150 million of CARES Act funds to nonprofits. The deadline is Saturday.
To apply, visit here.
DCSO reports no inmates testing positive for COVID, but 22 employees are
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office on Monday reported none of the 1,194 inmates were testing positive for COVID-19.
So far, 324 who previously tested positive have recovered, DCSO reported, and the number of inmates on restriction stood at 10.
Twenty-two DCSO employees were currently testing positive, and 64 had recovered.
Nashville reports 287 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
The Metro Nashville Department of Public Health on Monday reported an increase of 287 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That brings Davidson County to a total of 23,191 cases. The total number of active cases in the county is 3,076, with 19,910 people recovered from the virus.
There have been no new deaths reported in the past 24 hours.
So far, 196 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 205 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.
So far, 186,117 tests have been given, with a 12.5% positive rate. Available hospital beds stood at 19%, while available ICU beds stood at 14%, officials reported.