NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nearly 1,500 Tennesseans are hospitalized with COVID-19 as the coronavirus continues to set new records in the Volunteer State.
The latest numbers from overnight show 1,461 confirmed cases of the virus in the state's hospitals. Those numbers do not include counts from three facilities that normally report, so that number is likely to go even higher with the next update.
That's up 70 percent from a month ago.
BREAKING: Nearly 1,500 Tennesseans are hospitalized with COVID-19 as the coronavirus sets new records. Overnight stats show 1,461 confirmed cases in hospitals. Numbers do not include 3 facilities that normally report, so number is likely to go even higher with the next update. 1/ pic.twitter.com/mHd8rRbO6k
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) November 3, 2020
In addition, there are another 148 patients in Tennessee hospitals with possible cases of COVID-19 awaiting confirmation.
Statewide, there are still 287 intensive care unit beds available, according to the latest information from the Tennessee Department of Health. That's 14 percent of capacity.
There are 1,942 available floor beds, 17 percent of capacity.
Still, individual hospitals across Tennessee, especially those in more rural areas, have reported reaching their ICU capacity and have sometimes been forced to divert patients to other facilities.
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.
