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Metro Health Department giving out free masks

Posted at 6:45 AM, May 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-15 19:53:44-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Public Health Department handed out free masks again on Friday.

The city provided masks from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Metro Southeast Facility, located on Murfreesboro Pike near Nashville International Airport. Last week, the city gave away 25,000 masks in just one day.

If you couldn't make it out today, the site will be open again Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Right now, it's unclear how many masks the city will away this time, but Gov. Bill Lee said his goal is to get a mask for every Tennessean -- this is part of that effort.

The latest order from the Metro Health Department requires workers to wear masks if they have direct contact with customers. It also says people should always wear masks when they're in a community setting around other people.

MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE

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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.