I’m coming at you a bit later today due to a personal obligation. We’ll cut right to it:
International News:
The numbers worldwide continue to grow rapidly. As of this writing, based on the Worldometer data, there are 828,305 diagnosed cases of COVID-19. This reflects about a 10% increase from yesterday, which, if continued, would mean a doubling every seven days. There have now been 40,733 deaths, which reflects about a 15% increase over yesterday.
As I follow the countries and states every day, whether locations are above or below about ten percent seems to be an indicator of whether the situation is getting better (the curve is bending) or worse. It’s been helpful for me to think that way, particularly in locations with small numbers. The numerical increase might seem small, for example 10 cases turning into 11 or 12, but it is the percentage that matters.
National News:
There are now 176,518 diagnosed cases in the United States, reflecting an over 20% increase from yesterday. In real numbers, we are rapidly closing in on twice the number of cases of any other country (Italy, with 105,792). Known deaths now total 3,431, an increase of just under 30% from yesterday. Yesterday was the first day in which more than 500 died in the U.S. (558) and we topped 20,000 new diagnoses in a day.
As the numbers expand, the illnesses and deaths will get closer and closer to home. Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor from whom many get their news, has now been diagnosed and will continue his job from home. CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta lost a friend to the illness. I now know someone locally who is being tested and another in isolation. I also learned this morning that a friend’s father died of the illness. It’s becoming much less abstract.
Across the country, some spots are already experiencing horrific results (New York, New Orleans and others are close behind), while many locations are currently well within capacity to deal with the levels of illness they are seeing. An interesting, and perhaps predictable, divide is emerging between the responses to the crisis by mayors of cities and the governors of states. We’ve seen that play out locally. Speaking of . . .
State and Local News:
Yesterday, Governor Lee issued a “Safer at Home” order, and it comes a week after the same was done locally. It also falls short of what a large group of medical professionals have urged in the state, which is “Shelter at Home,” requiring, instead of requesting, that citizens stay home except for when vitally necessary. The lapse in time between the major cities issuing this guidance and the governor doing so statewide means that rural and small-town areas have continued spreading the virus for additional time.
Reflecting the current partisan divides, he said he would not require the distancing because of his concern for personal liberties. We may learn through this that the cost both to health and the economy would be smaller if we placed more severe restrictions more quickly, allowing us to get past the outbreak quickly. Half measures and semi-compliance will likely extend the crisis.
Currently confirmed cases in the state total 2,026, reflecting an increase of over 10% from yesterday. 13 deaths have been confirmed, reflecting a 30% increase over yesterday.
Locally, a total of 63 cases are reported confirmed in Knox County, just over a 10% increase from yesterday. There have been no reported new deaths. In a move that appears slow, but welcome, Knox County announced yesterday that all playgrounds and park restrooms are now closed.
Health Department Press Conference:
Charity Menefee, Director of Communicable and Environmental Disease and Emergency Preparedness at the Knox County Health Department, led the briefing. Today’s briefing became completely virtual, with press connected via video and none present. She started by thanking the many people who have volunteered. She thanked Governor Lee for his new directive. She noted that local governments can be more strict and cited the recent closure of playgrounds in Knox County as an example.
Noting the number above, 63 people have been confirmed ill, 24 have recovered, and 11 were hospitalized at some point during their illness. She strongly encouraged continued physical distancing and not having large gatherings. The local standard continues to be groups of no larger than ten. (Ed. Comment: Why? Why not say no gatherings?)
- She said medical capacity fluctuates and can be increased, and the health department isn’t asking them to continually report numbers.
- She stated that it is important that people social distance even in lines for take-out food, etc.
- She asked that people buy only what they need and not hoard.
- Asked why the University of Tennessee Medical Center is already using masks, she said it is to start conserving in preparation for future demand.
- On masks for the public, she said “first and foremost” medical providers should wear them and those caring for others with the illness should do the same.
- She stressed fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the concerning symptoms.
- It’s too early to know trends because the numbers are so small.
- No cases have been identified in the jail population locally, and they are working closely with the jails on procedures should there be any.