If you feel like you’ve heard more friends and neighbors contracting COVID in recent days, you are correct.
The Centers for Disease Control reports Putnam, Clay, Jackson, Overton, Pickett and White Counties with high community COVID levels. The updated numbers released Thursday estimated 223 cases per 100,000 people in Putnam County. That number along with hospital admissions and the number of inpatient beds currently being used in a community on COVID patients make up the statistic.
The CDC suggests those in areas with high COVID numbers to wear a mask indoors, stay up to date with vaccines and get tested if you begin dealing with symptoms. The center suggests additional precautions for those with high risks.
Fentress and Van Buren Counties have Medium COVID levels according to the CDC, while Cumberland, Dekalb, Smith and Warren report low case numbers.