NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After 100 people tested positive for COVID-19 at the Nashville Rescue Mission, a seven-day quarantine is in effect to protect residents and staff.
During the quarantine, no new residents will be accepted at the Rescue Mission's men’s campus, and current residents must stay at the facility. Employees are allowed to go home, but are encouraged to limit travel to only work and home.
Staff and residents are required to wear masks, temperatures are taken regularly, and the facility is cleaned frequently.
Glenn Cranfield, the President and CEO of the Nashville Rescue Mission, said he has worked with the Metro Public Health Department, Mayor’s office and Office of Emergency Management to make sure updated safety guidelines are in place.
"We don’t have a roadmap, we haven’t been through this before," said Cranfield. "This is certainly unprecedented as we watch it unfold."
All 395 people at the men's campus were tested for COVID-19. 100 people, including five employees, tested positive. Cranfield said 274 tests were negative, 9 were indeterminate and and 12 are still pending.
While all residents who tested positive are asymptomatic, Cranfield said they have been moved to a shelter set up at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Employees who tested positive are self quarantining at home.
Multiple new safety policies have been implemented at the Nashville Rescue Mission, as well. Volunteer opportunities and all chapel services were suspended, and delivery trucks are limiting pick ups. Also, the kitchen is cleaned regularly and employees are supplied with PPE.
Cranfield said there has been no resistance to the new policies.
"People understand we are concerned about their health and their well-being," said Cranfield.
He said at the end of the seven day quarantine, they will assess if it can be lifted or it needs to be extended.
"We'll get through this, we’ll do it together and we’ll be on the other side soon," said Cranfield.
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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.
