The Hamilton County Health Department announced 28 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, continuing a recent spike in cases and bringing the county’s total to 404.
Tuesday’s data continues the trend over the past two weeks with daily new case totals rising. Over the past seven days, Hamilton County has averaged 19 new cases a day, more than six times what it was at the beginning of the month and higher than at any point during the pandemic.
Local leaders say they’re not concerned, that an increase in community testing is pushing the numbers up. They say they have ample hospital capacity to take care of a surge in patients if needed.
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the county remains at 13, unchanged since April 18.
For the past week, Hamilton County averaged 19 new COVID-19 cases a day – largely fueled by sharp increases in cases among the county’s Hispanic community, which represents 6% of the population and 49% of the county’s total confirmed coronavirus cases. Due to underlying health issues, higher density housing and disproportionate levels of poverty, some communities are more at risk of contracting or dying from the virus. These conditions can make community members less likely to be to keep social distance or isolate themselves if they do become sick.