NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new manufacturing initiative for medical supplies has been announced by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
Called TN Creators Respond, the program is intended to help create a pipeline to manufacture medical equipment and personal protective equipment for hospitals and healthcare providers in the state, by connecting manufacturers with hospitals directly.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce says this initiative comes after many manufacturers reached out wanting to help, but were unsure how to start.
"The volunteer spirit is alive and well in Tennessee," said president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Bradley Jackson. "Since the outbreak began in Tennessee, we've heard from members in our manufacturing community who had the capability to help, but didn't know who to turn to for guidance. TN Creators Respond is the Tennessee Chamber's way of connecting businesses and healthcare to ensure we protect Tennesseans from this deadly disease and keep our economy moving."
Manufacturers interested in providing assistance and healthcare systems in need can get involved in TN Creators Respond here. The Tennessee Chamber has also set up an online resource page for the Tennessee business community that includes updates of local, state and national resources for businesses.
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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.
