COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Officials of a long-term care facility in Cookeville reported a total of 45 positive COVID-19 cases within their facility. A total of 16 staff members and 29 residents tested positive for the new coronavirus at Signature HealthCARE.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton held a press conference Thursday afternoon along with facility officials.
Signature HealthCARE Administrator Lee Rooney said they issued a stop order for anyone entering the facility on March 9 after a couple cases were confirmed. He said since then, they've been taking the temperatures of all employees before they come inside the building.
After another case was confirmed, Rooney said they partnered with the local health department to conduct mass testing of all residents and employees of the facility.
Testing was conducted Tuesday and the results were returned Wednesday. With 45 positive results, Rooney said the facility is mobilizing to crisis intervention and creating a COVID-19 unit.
A similar situation unfolded in a Gallatin nursing home. The outbreak there led to the deaths of four residents.
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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.
