NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Fewer than 10% of ICU beds in Metro Nashville are available as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Metro Nashville.
283 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the past 24 hours according to the Sunday update from the Metro Nashville Health Department. ICU bed availability fell under 10%, putting the metric in the 'red' category on the city's roadmap to recovery.
Two of the eight metrics the city is tracking are in the critical 'red' level: Transmission rate and ICU availability. Three others are also below targets set by the city: 14-Day new case trend, overall hospital bed capacity, and new cases per 100,000 residents.
Since the start of the pandemic, 31,483 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Davidson County.
Nashville moved into "Phase 3" of it's recovery on October 1st, increasing the number of people allowed in restaurants and at events.
As part of the Phase 3 restrictions, bars and restaurants can expand capacity to 100 patrons per-floor and an additional 100 in outside spaces, with proper social distancing in place. Large event gatherings can expand to 500 people (30% maximum capacity) -- with an approved plan from the Metro Public Health Department, and transpotainment vehicles can resume operation with a maximum of 15 people or 50% capacity.
Earlier this week, when asked about the possibility of moving back a phase in Nashville's reopening plan because of rising numbers, a spokesperson for the Metro Public Health Department told NewsChannel 5, "There are no plans to move back at this time. We know more than we did this summer about what works against COVID-19: wearing masks, washing hands, and socially distancing."
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 2,605 new cases statewide today, along with 6 additional deaths.
The state also reported 1,000 current hospitalizations and 204,726 total recoveries so far.
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
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- Walmart pharmacies in Tennessee now offering COVID-19 vaccines
- Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
See all our coronavirus coverage here
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.
