FLATTENING THE CURVE

Recently, VIP got the chance to talk with Montgomery County Public Health Director Joey Smith. He has been exceptionally busy on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are very thankful for his time and insight.

As a note, new information is coming out constantly. This is an unprecedented situation, and facts and reports are evolving every day. Montgomery County is blessed to have dedicated public servants like Joey Smith.

Joey Smith has also been nationally recognized for his efforts, talents, and accomplishments, and has been nominated for Vice President for the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

COVID-19 is a novel virus. There is not a guide that tells us how to fight it, our essential workers are writing the playbook as they serve our communities every day. Everyone is unsure,

22• VIP Clarksville Magazine | Stronger Together

and Smith has seen some frequently asked questions. He had this to say, “We started testing the first week of March and since then there have been some common questions. Some have been about communication with Tennova, Blanchfield and other clinical providers in our community. We’ve received a lot of questions about the COVID-19 tests.

The tests that we’ve been doing since early March detect if the person currently has the virus present in their body. Specimens are sent that day to a laboratory and we usually have results back in 3 days. With new tests being approved, urgent care and walk-in clinics could soon be offering a rapid test that will have results within 10-20 minutes.

As many may have seen on the news, an antibody test was recently approved by the FDA. We’re very excited about this. Along with giving a person some closure on a previous illness, studying the antibodies on people that successfully recovered could help develop therapy and treatment for others.”

The 2020 hot topic has been masks: where we can get them, when we should wear them, how we can make them, and

making sure our essential workers have them. Clarksville- Montgomery County have been going above and beyond to make sure our essential workers have what they need, and Smith has good news about masks.

Smith says, “Our local health care partners, physicians, and clinics have been having weekly web meetings and conference calls. If one of our health care partners expresses that they’re running low on PPE, members of our partnership have been very successful sharing resources and helping that clinic or home health agency find what they need.”

In light of Governor Lee’s decision to open Tennessee, there have been mixed feelings, and there is still significant fear and uncertainty.

We have been doing an excellent job flattening the curve. There are a lot of unknowns, and new changes come each day, but the numbers do not lie. COVID-19 is on the decline in Montgomery County.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and if we stay the course, remain diligent, and heed the advice of our local officials, we will return to normal soon.