Coronavirus: Fewer than 100 new cases reported but testing down, too
Christ Community Health Center medical staff collect nasal swabs as hundreds of Memphians line up for COVID-19 testing at its site in Hickory Hill on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
The 7-day average of new coronavirus cases in Shelby County continues to fall and is now sitting at 187.
The Shelby County Health Department reported 89 new coronavirus cases and six new related deaths on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Those 89 new cases come from only 601 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 14.8%.
Shelby County’s reported total is now 25,364 coronavirus cases, including 334 deaths, 21,256 recoveries and 3,774 active cases.
The number of COVID-positive patients in area hospitals is 311, as of Monday, Aug. 17, according to the state’s Healthcare Resource Tracking System.
According to the state’s HRTS, there were 49 intensive care unit beds and 295 acute care beds available in area hospitals.
About 37% of area ICU patients were either COVID-positive (124) or suspected of having the virus (20). And about 12% of area acute care patients were either COVID-positive (187) or suspected of having the virus (64).
According to the same HRTS data, 89% of ICU beds and 88% of acute care beds were in use at area hospitals. The day prior, the percentages were 88% of ICU beds and 87% of acute care beds.
Tennessee Department of Health reports statewide coronavirus figures at 2 p.m. daily.
As of Monday, Aug. 17, the agency reported 134,744 coronavirus cases, including 1,387 deaths, 5,881 hospitalizations and 94,812 recoveries.
About 1.9 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Tennessee.
Editor’s Note: The Daily Memphian is making our coronavirus coverage accessible to all readers — no subscription needed. Our journalists continue to work around the clock to provide you with the extensive coverage you need; if you can subscribe, please do.
Topics
coronavirus Shelby County Health Department Tennessee Healthcare Resource Tracking System Tennessee Department of HealthElle Perry
A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.