HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. — Hamblen County Coroner Eddie Davis said that his office dealt with seven COVID-19 related deaths in the last week.
“It’s coming back, I’m beginning to think, with a vengeance," Davis said.
None of the reported deaths have been included in the state's current report, according to reports. Officials said that it can take a week to 10 days or more for a new COVID-19 related death to be reflected on the state's report.
In January 2021, there were 32 COVID-19 related deaths that went through the coroner’s office.
“It was awful. All we were doing was COVID,” Davis said.
The announcement comes as Hamblen County and East Tennessee see a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. In late July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended nearly every East Tennessee county return to wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Davis also encouraged everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The Hamblen County COVID-19 task force is also encouraging vaccinations, according to reports.
The Mayor of Morristown, Gary Chesney, also posted his own vaccination card on social media recently as a way to encourage others to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
As of Friday, state health leaders reported 29 more deaths due to COVID-19 along with 4,647 new cases. Health leaders said 2,077 people were hospitalized across the state.
They said that Hamblen county also had 9,552 total cases and 177 total deaths due to COVID-19. There were 542 cases reported, with most cases being reported among people between 21-40 years old.