COVID-19 in Tennessee: Latest case counts, vaccination rates, updates as omicron variant spreads

Nashville Tennessean

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The Tennessee Department of Health reported 94,029 active cases as of Jan. 2. That's about a 152% increase from the week before.

The state recorded an average of 10,306 new cases per day during the week.

An average of 23,665 tests were performed each day of the week, with an average positivity rate of about 34%.

Here's what we know about the virus in Tennessee.

NEWSLETTER:  Stay safe and informed with updates on the spread of the coronavirus

COVID-19 cases in Tennessee

Tennessee's COVID-19 vaccination rate

How many Tennessee residents have died of COVID-19?

Tennessee COVID-19 cases, deaths by county

How can you get tested, vaccinated for COVID-19

Find testing sites in Tennessee here.

Make a vaccine appointment in Tennessee here

What do we know about the COVID-19 omicron variant? 

As the omicron variant sweeps across the world and pushes out the delta variant that preceded it, scientists are rushing to understand how it might change the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, it's clear that omicron is highly contagious — roughly twice as contagious as delta and four times more than the original virus. Experts worry that even if it's less virulent, which isn't yet clear, it could still cause enough hospitalizations to overwhelm health care systems here and abroad. The CDC has been tracking omicron closely, which now accounts for the majority of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. 

To combat the lingering uncertainties of omicron, everyone should be getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing masks, opening windows and avoiding crowds, experts say. 

MORE ON OMICRON:Yes, omicron has overtaken delta. No, it's not March 2020.

Tips to protect yourself from COVID-19

  • Prevention is not much different than protecting yourself from other forms of illnesses. The CDC and medical experts recommend you:
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
  • Maintain at least six feet of social distance from those outside your household.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough and/or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Medical experts recommend washing for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) may be used if soap and water are not readily available.