Williamson County experienced the highest increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases July 1 compared to previous weeks.

The total number of confirmed cases in Williamson County topped 1,000 as the month began with more than 650 active cases on July 1.

Williamson County Schools and the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency are tracking the rate of the virus’ spread using their own metric based on the number of active cases.

WCEMA and WCS devised a Williamson County COVID-19 dashboard based on information from the Tennessee Department of Health.

The WCEMA-generated dashboard calculates the rate of spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County, based on the number of active cases. 

With 650 active cases, for example, the rate of spread would be 0.276 cases per 100 Williamson County residents, which is considered to be “low,” according to the COVID-19 tracking dashboard.

But the number of confirmed cases have been on a slightly upward trend for several weeks, mirroring much of Tennessee.

Additionally, more testing has also been administered by the Williamson County Health Department.

On June 29, the WCHD completed 877 COVID-19 tests, making it the highest testing day since its first day of drive-thru testing on April 18. 

Along with the state health department, the city of Franklin and Williamson County Schools post the most recent COVID-19 numbers daily with various graphs.

The rate of COVID-19 increase in Williamson County was 24.7% for the week of June 25 to July 1, according to calculations posted by the city of Franklin based on state health department information.

Earlier this week, Gov. Bill Lee extended the statewide declaration of emergency through Aug. 29 due to a pattern of increased cases in multiple counties across the state.

“Ultimately, each of us has an important role to play in keeping ourselves, our neighbors, and our community safe and healthy,”  “All citizens are strongly urged to ‘step up’ and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

Williamson County Emergency Management Agency Director Todd Horton also emphasized that citizens should continue to follow health protocols.

“As indicated in recent reports, Williamson County has seen a rise in active cases,” Horton said. “We encourage our community to stay informed of our current situation and refer to recommendations through the CDC and our State Health Department. 

WCEMA promotes recommendations by the U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention as follows:

• Physically distance oneself from others
• Wear masks while in public and when unable to maintain social distancing 
• Wash hands often to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Hospitalizations on the decline

Williamson Medical Center issued a media release on Thursday, reporting that COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on the decline, although positive cases across the county have increased.

“This increase follows a six week decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations at WMC, including multiple weeks with no hospitalizations,” the media release said.

“Although WMC has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, we are currently operating below capacity.”

WMC is operating at 80% of its 20-bed ICU capacity and at 70% of its 203-bed general hospital capacity.

“As a policy, we do not specifically identify the medical conditions that cause a patient to be in the ICU. However, we can confirm that the majority of our current ICU patients are not COVID-19 related.

WMC also has “surge plans” that allow for a quick increase of ICU beds and capacity if necessary.

“Social distancing within the community remains critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the CDC recommends that individuals over two years of age wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Proper hygiene including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer when necessary should also remain a priority as well as the cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.”

– Williamson Medical Center

Numbers creeping up since June 

In June, Franklin Mayor Ken Moore said he was also concerned about the pattern of increase.

“Our percentage increase recently causes me some concern,” Moore said.

“Even though it is a brief snapshot in time, we need to continue to be cautious.”

Active cases in Williamson County, which excludes those who have recovered from the virus, have spiked from 191 on June 1 to 658 on July 3.

For some of that time, cases in the county increased by single digits each day, but jumped to double digits, or as high as 77 new cases reported in 24 hours in July. 

What does this mean for schools?

WCS will determine whether school is in session based on the number of active COVID-19 cases compared to the county’s current population of 238,412 people, using the county’s tracking dashboard. 

More: Williamson school district defines metric for determining whether school’s in or out

The district has devised a three scenario plan that addresses on-campus and remote school options. School officials will present details of the plan in July.

School is scheduled to open on Aug. 7.

“Reopening school is our first priority,” WCS Superintendent Jason Golden said at previous public meetings. 

For more information, visit wcs.edu.

Kerri Bartlett covers issues affecting children, families, education and government in Williamson County. She can be contacted at [email protected], 615-308-8324 or @keb1414 on Twitter.

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