NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —Health officials report 91% of Tennessee counties now have unacceptable coronavirus transmission rates.
Tennessee's active cases is more than around 38,200 and total cases, including deaths and recoveries is just shy of 94,000 as of Sunday.
That's the same day Tennessee saw it's second highest number of COVID-19 cases reported at 3,140. Hospitalizations across the state are 4,244.
Out of Tennessee's 93,936 cases, more than one third, or nearly 32,000, have been reported in the past two weeks.
Data released Sunday shows 87 of the state's 95 counties, or 91%, are "above the threshold" for acceptable rates of virus transmission. This is used the help determine if residents can visit family in long-term care facilities. That's a 14% increase in a week.
Shelby County currently has the highest daily COVID-19 case average with 322 and Davidson is just behind at 308.
Studies show that Tennessee has not flattened the curve and Nashville is among cities privately warned by the White House to take "aggressive" action."
During a news briefing last week, Dr. Lisa Piercey, the state’s Health Commissioner, said the situation is incredibly pressing.
“We need to have a really clear focus particularly in those red zone areas of what individuals can be doing to help with that,” Dr. Piercey said. “None of it is new, but it’s incredibly pressing.”
Gov. Bill Lee maintains he’s not going to issue a statewide mask mandate, instead leaving it up to individual counties. Dr. Piercey said all Tennesseans should be taking precautions.
“Above all, take every single measure to protect those around you that may be vulnerable,” Dr. Piercey said. “Again, those are the recommendations. None of them are new.”