HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Multiple staff members at Trousdale Medical Center have tested positive for COVID-19. HighPoint Health System has temporarily suspended inpatient and non-urgent outpatient care as a result.
In an announcement made on the medical center's Facebook page, Trousdale Medical says their emergency department will remain open. Patients who require inpatient care will be stabilized and transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.
All individuals who came in contact with the positive-testing staff members have been identified, and appropriate protocols are being followed for these people.
A deep clean of Trousdale Medical Center's facility has begun, and will continue through the week. All staff members will be evaluated before full operations resume.
The Facebook post adds that the hope is for Trousdale Medical Center to fully reopen next Monday.
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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.
