First COVID-19 case confirmed in county

Scott Pearson, Associate Editor
Posted 4/1/20

Marshall County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The Tennessee Department of Health notified county authorities on Sunday that a county resident had tested positive for the virus. “While this isn’t news we were hoping for, it’s not totally unexpected,” said Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny, in a statement. ...

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First COVID-19 case confirmed in county

Posted

Marshall County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Tennessee Department of Health notified county authorities on Sunday that a county resident had tested positive for the virus.

“While this isn’t news we were hoping for, it’s not totally unexpected,” said Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny, in a statement. “We always felt that it was not a matter of if, but when. Our local officials have been preparing for this and coordinating with other local and state agencies to make sure we do our very best in protecting our citizens.”

Due to privacy laws, no details of the case were publicly available.

County Director of Health Angie Faulkner said that the state did not inform her of any identifying information other than the notice of a positive test.

Both Faulkner and Keny emphasized the importance of continuing to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines to slow the spread of the virus.

Wash hands regularly with soap and water or a 60 to 80 percent alcohol product.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Stay home if at all possible and practice social distancing.

“Marshall Countians always rise up to face challenges,” said Keny. “Already during this experience, I have seen several groups and organizations step up to help out in a variety of ways. I have no doubt we will continue to have countless unselfish acts of support, love, and generosity going forward.”

On Tuesday, the state department of health expanded their daily data release to include the number of negative test results by county, instead of just positive results.

For Marshall County, 99 negative tests had been registered to the one positive. The ratio for other counties varied widely with some showing an almost 20 percent ration of positive tests compared to negatives.

The Marshall County Office of Emergency Management has set up local hotlines at 931-675-2606 and 931-675-2598 to answer questions concerning the pandemic. They are staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The county Health Department, as part of the South Central Regional Health Department, has a hotline for COVID-19 questions at 931-490-8312. It is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The state has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line alongside the Tennessee Poison Center. The numbers are 833-556-2476 and 877-857-2945 and are available every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.