NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than 1,500 Tennesseans are hospitalized with COVID-19, breaking the previous record for hospitalizations that was set earlier this week.
The latest overnight update shows 1,537 confirmed cases now in Tennessee hospitals. The latest numbers include 108 of 111 facilities that normally report, so that number will likely go higher.
MORNING UPDATE: #COVID19 hospitalizations in Tennessee continue in record territory, with the latest overnight update showing 1,537 confirmed cases now in the hospital. (Latest numbers include 108 of 111 facilities that normally report, so number will likely go higher.) 1/ pic.twitter.com/rmLYe0wOcM
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) November 4, 2020
There are another 179 patients in Tennessee hospitals with possible diagnoses awaiting confirmation, which continues to drive the combined number into record territory as well.
Hospitalizations per reporting facility are also continuing to set new records.
Tennessee hospital capacity numbers are holding steady for now.
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- 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.
