JACKSON, Tenn. — According to the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Madison County at a high COVID-19 Community Level.
Community Levels are a tool used by the CDC to determine what steps specific communities should take to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The most recent data from the Tennessee Department of Health shows 237 Madison County residents tested positive for COVID-19 from June 5 through June 11.
“COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Madison County and hospitalizations are up,” said Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department Regional Director Kim Tedford. “Take steps to protect yourself and get tested if you develop symptoms.”
For counties with a high COVID-19 Community Level, the CDC recommends:
- Wear a mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including K-12 schools and other indoor community settings).
- If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease, wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection, consider avoiding non-essential public indoor activities, and talk to your provider about whether to take other precautions.
- If you have a household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease, consider self-testing before contact and consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms.
The health department reminds residents that every home in the U.S. may order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits at covid.gov/tests. The results of these tests are not required to be reported.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available at the health department with no appointment necessary from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Children ages 5-11 may receive their COVID-19 vaccine on Fridays only.
For more information, call the Jackson-Madison County Public Information Line at (731) 240-1771.
For more information on COVID-19, go to the CDC website, the Tennessee Department of Health website or call (877) 857-2945.
For more news in the Madison County area, click here.
