Health Commissioner warns of incoming outbreaks

Outbreaks of COVID-19 are hinting at a comeback in Tennessee as state health officials grapple with a greater-than-expected hesitancy to get vaccinated, particularly among conservative white men in rural counties. 

After shedding 85 percent of active infections from January to mid-March, the most rapid recovery seen so far in the pandemic, the state’s infection rate is again beginning to grow. In the past week, more than 8,500 new infections were reported in Tennessee, increasing the active case count by 1,000 people in a matter of days. Key indicators such as hospitalizations and positivity rate also suggest a greater viral spread as spring starts.