Oak Ridge city officials are warning residents after data collected through wastewater testing revealed COVID-19 is present across the entire city.

The press release issued states the City of Oak Ridge is strongly urging residents to take measures to protect themselves, each other, children, elderly and vulnerable populations,  businesses and homes from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus.

Anderson County’s positivity rate hovered around 5% until the beginning of October, when it began to spike. Now the rate is 12.5%, with an average of 7 new cases reported each day.

City officials passed a resolution last Monday asking for community support against the “ever changing virus,” through mask wearing, washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, avoiding crowds, and adhering to social distancing requirements during activities or functions.

Mayor Warren Gooch said the pandemic is serious. “The data from Vanderbilt, the CDC, and the state health department about our community warns us that we are on a track for an increase in cases.”