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Animal rescues need financial help during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 6:10 AM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-26 07:30:38-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The past couple of weeks have been hard for several agencies in the mid-state after being hit with the tornado and now COVID-19. Many animal shelters are seeing some stress, as well.

Many Tennesseans are still unsure of where their next check is coming from. That’s also leaving their pets uncertain of where their next meal will come from.

Even though the Nashville Humane Association was able to get all their animal fostered, they are now worried people will be giving up their pets because they can’t afford them. So, organizers have set up a drive-thru food bank for those in need. This allows you to get what you need while practicing social distancing.

The drive-thru food bank will be every Sunday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. It will be held at the Nashville Humane Association located on Oceola Avenue.

Staffers plan on doing this through April.

For more information about how to adopt a pet right now click here. If you would like to donate, click here.

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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.