CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The city of Clarksville said one of its firefighters has tested positive for COVID-19.
The employee last worked on March 25, when they had no symptoms. The firefighter is now self-isolating at home under a doctor's care.
"This is our city workforce’s first confirmed case, and we are praying for our firefighter’s speedy recovery," Mayor Joe Pitts said. "We are taking every precaution and following the recommended protocols to ensure the best possible outcome for our first responders and all our city employees."
Those who worked with the firefighter have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days from their last day of contact. The city said coworkers who have not felt symptoms can return to work on April 9.
The fire department began a new routine due to the outbreak several weeks ago that limits access to stations and potential exposure. Crews clean and sanitize all stations twice per shit at minimum and also sanitize after any calls involved using personal protective equipment.
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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.
