While new reported novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have leveled off in recent weeks, Northeast Tennesseeâs death toll has continued rising â with the region reporting a record third consecutive day with 10-plus virus-related deaths. Since Monday there have been 48 reported deaths, including 16 on Wednesday, in the regionâs upper eight counties, just 10 shy of the weekly record of 58 reported in mid-December with four days remaining in the week. Through six days in January, the region is averaging just over nine virus-related deaths per day, significantly higher than the record 7.3 reported during December. The region is on pace to shatter last monthâs total of 228 deaths, with Januaryâs total of 55 already reaching 24.1% of that total.