NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Residents have been advised to wear masks in public in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. James Hildreth with Meharry Medical College spoke during Friday’s Metro update and recommended everyone wear a mask if they have to go out. However, he stressed that personal protective equipment (PPEs) must be reserved for health care workers who are on the front lines of treating the virus.
Hildreth said wearing a mask serves two purposes: it reduces the risk of getting and then transmitting the virus to someone else.
He said you can make your own masks using t-shirts or bandannas to cover your face. Once you get home, make sure you properly sterilize your mask. If your mask is made out of cloth, wash it with soap and water. Hildreth said you can then place it in a plastic bag and microwave it for about two minutes.
Note: You should only microwave cloth masks. Disposable masks often have staples in them.
Still, Hildreth said the best way to keep from getting sick and spreading the virus is to stay home. If you have to go out for groceries or medicine, cover your face and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
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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.
