The Williamson County Health Department, Williamson Medical Center, Williamson County Schools, Franklin Special School District and local chamber of commerce Williamson Inc. issued a joint statement Nov. 13 calling on the community to take steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
"The unabated resurgence of COVID-19 cases not only threatens to overwhelm our health system, it will inevitably further challenge our schools, disrupt area businesses and ultimately impact our local economy," the statement said. "Most importantly, the virus will continue to significantly affect the lives of the high-risk individuals and their families in Williamson and surrounding counties."
In the last week alone, active coronavirus cases have risen by more than 50% to 1,481 active cases as of Nov. 15, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Active cases have not been at that level since July, according to TDH data.
The statement calls for residents to abide by the county's ongoing mask mandate in addition to practicing social distancing and washing hands often.
With the holiday season approaching, residents are also advised to be mindful of gatherings, as these are a contributor to the spread of the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC recommends guests from outside households avoid direct contact and the number of attendees be limited as much as possible.
See more recommendations from the CDC here.