NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee is trying to make it easier for essential workers to find childcare amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are specific guidelines for operating childcare facilities in the State of Tennessee, but given these unprecedented times, Governor Lee is loosening the restrictions to allow more places to operate as temporary childcare facilities.
Lee announced his support for existing facilities during his press conference Monday, but also encouraged others to join in to make sure children are taken care of during the crisis.
He asked churches, gym, non-profits and similar community organizations to open emergency childcare facilities.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has deployed $10 million in emergency grants to help childcare facilities. With loosened restrictions, providers can register with TDHS who can provide them with support and guidelines.
Of course, background checks will still be in place, although each individual location will not be inspected prior to opening, at least temporarily.
“We have a crisis. We have a situation that are laid before us that for a short period of time, require very difficult decisions and decisions that address the way we typically do things. But we will make those decisions in the best interest of Tennesseans, and appropriately to protect our kids,” said Gov. Bill Lee.
The governor also encourages childcare facilities to reach out to TDHS if they need help accessing needed cleaning supplies.
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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.
