NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 6,589 cases of COVID-19 across the state. The department said 142 deaths have been reported.
TDOH released updated numbers on Friday, saying there have been 711 hospitalizations. Of those who've tested positive, 3,017 have recovered.
Earlier in the day, Metro Public Health Department officials confirmed 1597 cases of COVID-19 in Nashville/Davidson County, an increase of 37 in the past 24 hours. Two additional deaths were reported, bringing the county's death toll to 20.
Watch the full briefing below:
Friday's confirmed cases range in age from 2 months to 94 years.
Dr. Alex Jahangir said a 71-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man died Thursday night. Both had underlying health conditions.
Health officials said 825 have recovered from the virus.
The MPHD COVID-19 Hotline received 265 calls on Thursday, April 16, 2020.
Total number of cases: 1,597
Cases reported in the past 24 hours: 37
Cases by sex
Male: 754
Female: 749
Unknown: 94
Total cases by age
| Unknown | 6 |
| 0-10 | 22 |
| 11-20 | 81 |
| 21-30 | 505 |
| 31-40 | 308 |
| 41-50 | 228 |
| 51-60 | 212 |
| 61-70 | 141 |
| 71-80 | 71 |
| 81+ | 23 |
| Total | 1,597 |
| Recovered | 825 |
| Deaths | 20 |
| Total active cases | 752 |
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said he and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke have formed the Tennessee Major Metros Economic Restart Task Force. The goal is to plan and coordinate the restoration of business activity currently suspended due to COVID-19.
The task force is composed of business leaders and health care professionals appointed by each metro area’s city and county mayors. The members from Nashville include:
- Dr. James Hildreth, Meharry Medical College
- Laura Hollingsworth, Ryman Hospitality
- Dr. Alex Jahangir, Head of Metro Coronavirus Task Force
- Rob McCabe, Pinnacle Financial Partners and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Click here for more information.
Dr. Jahangir was asked when the city would be able to have large-scale events, like CMA Fest, again. He said until a vaccine is ready, it would not be safe for large crowds to gather. Jahangir said he feels it may be a little more than year before one is ready.
Tennessee is expanding its testing capacity for COVID-19, including making free tests available statewide. Gov. Bill Lee said the tests will be available for any Tennessean at no cost, regardless of traditional symptoms.
Additionally, all rural county health departments will offer free testing five days a week. Click here for a full list of sites.
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
- Mask mandate, capacity restrictions lifted in Nashville; what you need to know
- Tennessee, Metro to offer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12-15 years old
- Nashville's COVID-19 testing centers to adjust operating hours
- Walmart pharmacies in Tennessee now offering COVID-19 vaccines
- 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.
