After enjoying a lull in the three months since the last COVID-19 surge, cases are again on the rise in the Chattanooga region.
As of May 19, Hamilton County was averaging 53 new cases per day over the past week, compared to an average of 15 new cases per day at the same time a month ago.
Weekly reports of viral concentration in wastewater are also showing a steady increase, as is the test positivity rate, which has risen from around 5% in early April to 10% in early May and is currently hovering around 15%.
Given the widespread use of at-home testing, which is rarely reported to health departments, Dr. Lisa Smith, medical director for COVID-19 services at One to One Health, said she assumes that for every one case that’s reported there are another five positive cases that aren’t reported. Based on current data, Smith has started indoor masking again, along with frequent at-home testing and other precautions.
“It’s still a deadly disease – not for everybody – but it’s still important not to transmit and try to stop the chain of infection, because there are a whole load of people who are vulnerable,” Smith said, noting that even though she’s up to date with her COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot – meaning an illness would likely be mild – she still doesn’t want to become infected and have to miss work.