NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A worker at a Walgreens on Harding Pike has tested positive for COVID-19. The store temporarily closed to be cleaned, but has since reopened.
During the brief closure, a sign on the door said it was not open due to maintenance and directed customers to the nearest location in Bellevue.
Walgreens officials released the following statement:
"We are committed to providing a safe environment for our customers and team members. Walgreens was notified yesterday that a team member who works in this store on Harding Pike has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual has not been in the store since Tuesday, March 17.
In accordance with our established protocols and CDC guidance, we took immediate action to temporarily close the store for cleaning in order to disinfect the premises. The store has reopened. We promptly notified and followed the guidance from the public health department. We have contacted impacted individuals who may be at risk and they are self-quarantined. Individuals with questions can contact the health department to learn more."
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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.
