NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro health officials confirm several people at Trevecca Center for Rehabilitation and Healing have tested positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Alex Jahangir, head of Metro's Coronavirus Task Force, said the first positive cases were confirmed on Tuesday.
Jahangir said contact tracing began, and over the next two days, nearly 300 people were tested. So far, 17 people have tested positive for the virus. Of those, it's unclear how many are residents or staff. He said the situation is still developing.
Carl Young, administrator of Trevecca Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, released the following statement:
In partnership with the Metro Health Department and Tennessee Department of Health, our patients and employees at the Trevecca Center for Rehabilitation and Healing were tested for COVID-19 on April 22, 2020. We expect higher numbers of reported COVID-19 cases as a result of the testing, which is a common outcome across the city, state and country as testing capabilities increase. The safety and well-being of our patients and staff are our community’s top priority, and we will take the appropriate measures in coordination with local and state health officials to respond to the information we receive from testing in keeping patients, family members, and employees safe.
We will continue to work alongside the state, and collectively protect the patients, staff, and families affected by this virus by not releasing HIPAA protected information.
We continue to remain positive, and we continue to do our part to go above and beyond what is recommended by regulatory bodies to ensure the health and safety for those under our care.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
