Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway has extended the mask order for the county another week while Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order extends the Declaration of a Statewide Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic through February 27, 2021.
County EMA Director Ron Watkins said, “The Henry County COVID-19 related death toll now stands at 33 up from 28 last week. Local Healthcare professionals and first responders began receiving the new Moderna COVID vaccine this week on Tuesday and Wednesday from the county Health Department.”
Ridgeway said, “The county’s most recent COVID numbers this week indicate
the local spread rate has eased up some and this is great news! Our seven day daily average is down to 26.86 average new cases per day. We must continue to do our part as a county to try to avoid the spread of this virus. We must stay safe by wearing masks, staying out of crowds, washing hands often and social distancing for sure.”
County Mayor Ridgeway added, “On a positive note, this week on Tuesday first responders and healthcare professionals received the first Moderna vaccines. I want to salute our Hometown Heroes this week. Hats off to Henry County Health Department and their staff for their dedicated service and planning to make this vaccine available to our citizens. It is going to take some time to get all the vaccine, but let’s be patient and do our part to make this a safe Holiday season!”
The Henry County Health Dept continues to provide free COVID testing with new self tests provided on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment. Regular nose swab tests will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30AM to 10:30 by appointment only. Over the past seven days, the county averaged 90 tests per day with a 24.4% positivity rate and is reporting 287 active cases in our community.
Photo: HCMC Director of Pharmacy Paula Bell receives the COVID-19 vaccine at the hospital Wednesday. (HCMC photo).