Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article, three more cases of coronavirus in the state of Tennessee have been announced, bringing the total to seven.
A fourth case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Health hasn't confirmed where the fourth case is from. The previous three cases are in Williamson, Davidson and Shelby County, Tennessee.
Earlier today, the Dept. of Health announced that COVID-19 testing is now authorized seven days a week, and set up a Public Information Line at 1-877-857-2945. We tried calling that line, but it was busy. The Tennessee Department of Health responded on twitter that the line was "receiving an overwhelming number of calls" and that they encouraged Tennesseans to keep calling back.
Williamson County Schools announced that the district will close Tuesday after a parent tested positive for COVID-19. It's unclear if this is a new case or one of the known cases.
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
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- Nashville's COVID-19 testing centers to adjust operating hours
- 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.
