NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville has launched a website to keep residents informed on COVID-19 cases in Davidson County. COVID19.Nashville.Gov will provide new information as it becomes available.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said seniors and those with underlying health conditions especially need to follow strict social distancing guidelines. If you need assistance, including meals, in Davidson County, call 311 or 211.
Cooper said the Metro Board of Health's decision to declare a public health emergency was a necessary step to flatten the curve.
As of Wednesday morning, there are 46 cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County, bringing the state’s total to 78.
Dr. Alex Jahangir said the Metro cases are linked to either travel or clusters of known exposures.
The Tennessee Department of Health broke down the age range of cases statewide. One patient is between 5 and 17 years old, 51 patients are between 18 and 49 years old, 14 patients are between 50 and 64 years old and six patients are at least 65 years old.
THD said there is one case where the age is not known.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper and community leaders have created a COVID-19 response fund to help those affected in Davidson County.
Metro Nashville Public Schools will also be offering free student meals, along with food boxes provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee at sites identified throughout Davidson County. View full list here.
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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.
