Tennessee is averaging almost 10,000 new coronavirus cases, and almost 100 deaths, per day, according to The Washington Post’s tracker. About 2,800 people are hospitalized for covid in the state, with about 760 in the intensive care unit, according to the Tennessee health department. A similar trajectory played out across the country, and health officials warn that Christmas gatherings could lead to an even larger surge. Despite the rapidly increasing numbers pushing Tennessee hospitals to their limits, Lee maintained there would not be a mask mandate, while stressing the importance of wearing one. She added that with the exception of hospitals, health-care workers who tested positive for the coronavirus could continue to work in long-term-care facilities if they felt well enough.

Source: Washington Post December 21, 2020 10:03 UTC