NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart has called on Governor Bill Lee and his administration to implement a COVID-19 immunity certificate program.
Rep. Stewart is suggesting that Lee's administration should begin testing Tennessee's healthcare providers, first responders and any others who have likely been exposed to COVID-19. The hope is to identify any of them who are potentially immune and are able to work on the front line against the virus. These people would be able to perform key jobs without risk.
"We need to get the resources in place to test all of our healthcare workers so we know which ones can work without fear of COVID-19 and which ones need maximum protection against the virus," said Stewart.
Stewart argues that with other parts of the world working to determine anybody who might have antibodies to the coronavirus, Tennessee should take the lead and do the same to help get the virus under control.
"I have spoken with numerous industry representatives who say it is feasible to vastly expand our testing capacity; broadly testing our healthcare workers to determine which ones are already immune is common sense."
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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.
