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April 19 COVID-19 update: 7,070 confirmed cases, 148 deaths in Tennessee

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Posted at 9:35 AM, Apr 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 15:06:26-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee has a total of 7,070 COVID-19 cases, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. And 148 people have died as a result of the virus.

A total of 97,098 people have been tested in the state. TDOH says 3,344 of those recovered but 724 people are hospitalized.

Metro Public Health officials confirmed 71 new cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County, bringing the total to 1,751. Of the total cases, 871 people have recovered from the virus.

Twenty Davidson County residents have died from the coronavirus. Health officials said there are still 860 active cases in the county.

The age range of those who have tested positive in Davidson County is between 2 months old and 94 years old.

Tennessee is expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19, including making free tests available statewide. Gov. Bill Lee said the tests will be available for any Tennessean at no cost, regardless of symptoms.

On Saturday, at least 5,700 people participated in the drive-thru testing.

Current county-by-county numbers are available in the map below this story, updated daily after 2 p.m. These numbers may not add up the total number, as the daily reports from the Tennessee Department of Health often have dozens of cases that have yet been linked to a county.

Editor's Note: We are publishing updates to our COVID-19 count multiple times daily, but with a new story created each day to help track the growth of the virus in the state. Our latest reporting will always be at the top of our website at https://www.newschannel5.com. If this story is more than 24 hours old, (the date this story was published is available at the top of our story, just under the headline) please head to our homepage for our most accurate information.

MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE

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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.