EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is no longer current. State health officials are updating the COVID-19 infection numbers daily at 2 p.m. Central Time. Please look for the latest report at WMOT.org/news.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- State Health officials reported Wednesday afternoon that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee rose by 117 infections over the past 24 hours, for a current total of 784 cases.
State officials reported Tennessee’s third coronavirus related death on Wednesday. Media outlets are reporting that, to date, four virus related deaths have actually occurred statewide. On Tuesday, Commissioner of Health Dr. Lisa Piercey noted that the state will often be slow to announce pandemic related deaths because stringent guidelines are being observed for officially reporting such fatalities.
State officials reported a new category of information Wednesday. The Department of Health update noted for the first time that 53 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Metro Nashville is currently reporting 188 coronavirus infections, Robertson County 15, Rutherford County 19, Sumner County 36, and Williamson County 66 cases.
Nashville’s new coronavirus telephone hotline is now open and taking calls. You can dial in to 615-862-7777 with questions between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week. That number again is 615-862-7777.
New restrictions are in force at Metro Parks in an effort to bolster social distancing. The city’s playgrounds, dog parks, picnic shelters and basketball courts are closed going forward. Golf courses and walking trails will remain open.
The Tennessee National Guard has joined the fight against the coronavirus. Gov. Bill Lee told reporters yesterday that 250 guard members have been deployed statewide. He notes 150 are medically trained. Most will help rural counties staff 35 virus testing and assessment sites.
