COVID-19 in Tennessee: 3,444 new cases, 74 deaths reported on Nov. 20 – WKRN News 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Tennessee Department of Health hasconfirmed additional cases and deaths related to COVID-19 across the state on Friday, November 20.

The total COVID-19 case count for Tennessee is 331,532 as of November 20, 2020 including 4,202 deaths, 2,035 current hospitalizations and 287,908 are inactive/recovered. [Percent positive for today is 14.76% ] For the full report with additional data: https://t.co/Psc3HfgZ8j. pic.twitter.com/VdbYyT6Q9M

The health department reported 3,444 new cases, bringing the state to 331,532 total cases. Of those cases, 306,892 are confirmed and24,640 are probable.

TDH also confirmed 74 additional deaths, bringing Tennessee up to4,202 total deaths.

With 74 deaths being reported on Friday, this week has now seen the most deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic began with 325 deaths. November is also the second deadliest month for Tennessee with 849 deaths. October remains the deadliest month with 899 deaths.

The 74 deaths reported Friday is also the fifth most deaths ever reported for Tennessee:

Out of the confirmed positive cases, 287,908 are listed as inactive/recovered, an increase of 4,123 in the last 24 hours.

There are 2,035 people currently hospitalized in the state.

Tennessee has processed4,215,908 tests. The latest update added 21,287 tests to the states total.

Tennessee has reported more new COVID-19 cases during November than any other month, surpassing the 64,533 new cases reported in October.

The latest report from theWhite House Coronavirus Task Force says the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee over the last month has become deeper and unyielding,citing Halloween and related activities as contributors.

The information was included in a document, dated Nov. 15, obtained by ABC News. The report, which is provided to governors across the United States, suggests 47 states and the District of Columbia are in the red zone for coronavirus cases, including Tennessee.

Several Tennessee schools districts have announced early closures ahead of the Thanksgiving break due to COVID-19 cases and quarantines.

With cases on the rise, and many districts taking action, teachers demanded action from the governor.

Having clear direction from the Governor, and the Commissioner of Health, and the Commissioner of Education to help school superintendents, directors of schools, administrators make the best possible decisions for the health safety and well-being of Tennessee students is paramount. I think were lacking in that area, quite frankly, said Tennessee Education Association President Beth Brown.

In aletter to Governor Bill Lee Tuesday, Brown stated the teachers union needed the state to provide more protections for educators and students.

A group of Tennessee physicians on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic is urging Governor Lee to issue a state-wide mask mandate as many hospitals struggle to deal with the influx of sick patients.

On Monday, COVID-19 vaccine candidate,Moderna, said its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data from the companys still ongoing study. Last week, competitorPfizer Inc. announced its own COVID-19 vaccine appeared similarly effective.

Tennessee is one of thefour states chosen for Pfizers U.S. COVID-19 Immunization Pilot Program.

Pfizer and BioNTech will seek emergency government approval for their coronavirus vaccine, as the U.S. aims to begin administering doses by the end of the year. Moderna is expected to file for emergency approval for its own vaccine candidate in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 in Nashville

Public and private gatherings in Nashville and Davidson County will be limited to a maximum of eight people beginning the week of Thanksgiving to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

During his weekly news briefing Thursday morning,Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the public health orders will be amended to restrict all gatherings to eight people, whether at a restaurant or in a backyard, starting Monday, Nov. 23.

Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Adrienne Battle issued a warning Monday for parents and staff that ifNashvilles COVID-19 numbers do not improve by Thanksgiving, all Metro Schools will close and return to all-virtual learning on Nov. 30.

According to MNPS, Dr. Battle plans to make a final decision by Tuesday, Nov. 24, the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. The all-virtual learning option would last for three weeks until the start of winter holiday break on Dec. 17.

COVID-19 in Kentucky

On Wednesday, KentuckyGovernor Andy Beshear announced new COVID-19 restrictions to take effect across the state this week.

Beginning November 20 at 5 p.m., restaurants and bars must close indoor dining. Pick-up, delivery, and outdoor service will still be allowed. Indoor venues, including event spaces and theaters, will be limited to 25 people per room. This includes funeral and wedding gatherings.

Indoor social gatherings must be limited to groups from no more than two different households, with a maximum of eight people per gathering.

Stay with News 2 for continuing coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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COVID-19 in Tennessee: 3,444 new cases, 74 deaths reported on Nov. 20 - WKRN News 2