NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Data from Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows an increase in COVID-19 cases in Tennessee's rural counties.
The data which was collected from each county shows increases in areas previously not as impacted by the virus.
Even though there have been multiple reports of schools closing in Williamson County, governor Bill Lee said he doesn't believe the increase in numbers was caused by students and teachers returning to school.
"At any one time in our state, we've only had one half of one percent of our schools closed as a result of quarantines from COVID. Our schools have been open about nine weeks. We're very encouraged with the way our schools have operated safely," he said.
Governor Lee also said the spread of the virus hasn't happened like some thought it would once schools reopened for in-person classes.
Vanderbilt's data shows increased case counts over 10 days in other rural counties, too. Fentress county appears to have 100 cases or more.
A researcher for Vanderbilt said the data could be more accurate if there was better contact tracing from rural counties.
