NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is offering assistance to businesses hit by the one-two punch of the tornadoes and COVID-19.
Thursday at 5 p.m., they'll hold a webinar on their website to talk to businesses affected by the tornadoes. On Friday at noon, they'll focus on businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has a disaster loan program for both the tornadoes and COVID-19.The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has details on their website on evolving legislation that may help businesses. The Chamber CEO says this city is resilient and will bounce back.
"A return to business as usual will be aided by the unique qualities that define Nashville's business community," Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ralph Schulz said. "We are fortunate to have a robust and diverse economy. This balance resists downturns. Small businesses and entrepreneurship thrive in Nashville. These businesses adapt quickly to new circumstances."
The community can help by following Mayor John Cooper’s Safer at Home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. That will allow businesses to get their doors back open as soon as possible. Support businesses by ordering take out or ordering merchandise online.
More: #TakeoutTuesday: Support local businesses affected by COVID-19
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- Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
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.
