65 new cases of COVID-19 in Franklin/Williamson Counties

MARION – The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department was notified on Thursday afternoon of 65 new cases in the two counties as well as one death in Williamson County for the preceding 24-hour period.

The death was a female in her 70s, a resident from a Williamson County long tern care facility whose diagnosis was announced within the past few weeks.

Of the new cases, 49 were in Williamson County and range in age from a child under 5 years of age to three residents in their 80's.

These individuals are believed to have acquired the disease through either local contact with known cases, social gathering, church setting, community events, or through transmission in the community.

To date, there have been a total of 1,142 confirmed cases in Williamson County, including 27 deaths. Of these positive cases, 656 have recovered.

Williamson County remains in the warning level for COVID-19. A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of the virus increase.

Some of the reasons for Williamson County remaining in the warning level are an increase in cases and outbreaks associated with the college parties, weddings, large gatherings, bars and clubs, long-term care facilities and other congregate setting, travel to neighboring states, and spread among members of the same household who are not isolating at home.

Also, cases connected to schools are beginning to be reported. General transmission of the virus in the community is also increasing.

The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, staying home when e ill, and using cloth face coverings.