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Montgomery County mayor extends emergency executive orders

New York reports first coronavirus-related death in state
Posted at 2:42 PM, Apr 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-07 15:42:01-04

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett signed Emergency Executive Order 5 today.

Executive Order 5 extends the county's original March 17 declaration of a state of emergency, as well as the preceding emergency orders, for seven days.

The extension of these orders begins Wednesday at midnight, and will end April 15. Evaluation to further extend the orders will take place at the end of the extension.

"We will continue to take actions necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Montgomery County and ask that each of you do the same," said Mayor Durrett. "Please stay at home. The more people that follow the shelter at home orders, the faster, safer and healthier we can get through this pandemic. We have hundreds of Fort Campbell soldiers who are in New York City right now putting their health on the line to save people. When you leave your home for nonessential reasons, you not only jeopardize yourself, but others as well. It's all about we and not me!"

Anyone who has question about Montgomery County services during the COVID-19 pandemic can visit the county's website or call (931) 648-5787.

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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.