This morning, Roane County Executive Ron Woody issued a statement regarding a rise in the COVID-19 cases. Here is his comments:

“Today is Tuesday, June 16, 2020 and this is a 9 a.m. update. We are not surprised that our positive numbers in Roane County continue to grow. Just last Thursday, June 12, 2020, we had 23 positive cases and as of yesterday, June 15, 2020, we are reporting 33 cases, over a 50% jump in three days.

Have we become comfortable with the virus? Do we think we will not be exposed to the virus? Are we thinking or of the belief that it may be no more than the flu? Was the jump in the cases due to the added probable cases?

No matter what you may answer, we would all like to see it go away, and we all know one of the best ways for the virus to end is by us not transmitting the virus.

So social distance, wear a mask, and practice clean, healthy hygiene.

Testing will continue but what is as important is the “Contact Tracing” and we can help contact tracing by “Answering the Call.”

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19, an employee (case investigator) from the Health Department will

1. Call you to check in on your health
2. Discuss who you’ve been in contact with
3. Ask you to stay at home and encourage you to self-isolate.

Unless you give permission, your name will not be revealed to those you came in contact with, even if they ask. You will be asked to stay at home, self-isolate in a specific room away from pets and people, and use a separate bathroom, if possible.

Self-isolation is critical to protect those you live with and the community at large. Be prepared, but we hope and pray we don’t have to call you.

God bless Roane County!”