Tennessee Breaks Record For Daily Increase In New COVID Cases

Tennessee has shattered its record for a single-day increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. On Monday (November 16), the Tennessee Department of Health reported 7,951 new cases and 30 more deaths. The previous single-day increase was recorded November 9 with 5,919 cases.

The current number of hospitalizations is also at an all-time high with 1,810 patients currently being treated. According to the state health department, the positivity rate for Monday was 13.06%. There are currently 43,101 active cases across the state.

In total, Tennessee has reported 318,888 total cases of COVID-19 and 3,923 people have died. Both Shelby and Davidson Counties continue to lead the state in total number of cases with 43,478 and 38,583, respectively.

The record numbers come the same day a second vaccine for the coronavirus has shown positive results. Moderna is developing a vaccine that has showed a nearly 95% effectiveness in its latest trial.

On Sunday, the country surpassed 11 million cases, just six days after reaching the 10 million mark. As the holidays approach, and with families traveling for Thanksgiving next week, many health experts worry about seeing another sharp increase in cases over the next few weeks. If possible, they recommend not gathering in large groups outside of your household.

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