Putnam Testing Increase Could Lead To Cases Growing

The Putnam County Health Department has significantly increased the number of people tested for COVID-19 the last two days.

County Mayor Randy Porter said almost 300 tests were conducted Tuesday alone. That would almost double the total since testing began in the county.

“In full transparency, I say all of this to prepare you for what may be coming in the next few days,” Porter said. “The more we test, the more positives are going to continue to rise. The more positives we have, the greater chance we have of spreading the virus.”

Porter said that makes staying at home critical during the next week.

Putnam County reported 37 positive cases Thursday but that number will double in the coming days with the 44 confirmed cases at Cookeville’s Signature Healthcare facility. Positive tests are verifed by the State Health Department before being added to the state total.

Porter said the testing increase has happened statewide. Governor Bill Lee has said repeatedly that Tennessee is testing at a higher per-capita rate than most states.