NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed nine cases of COVID-19, also known as the new coronavirus, in the state.
On Wednesday, the Metro Public Health Department has announced the second presumptive case of COVID-19 in Davidson County.
The health department says they were notified of the new presumptive case on Wednesday, bringing the county's total number of presumptive cases to two. The first was announced on March 8.
Health officials say the presumptive case is an adult male, has had mild symptoms, and remains isolated at home. They’re investigating the source of exposure and will be contacting those who are identified as close contacts.
“Receiving confirmation of an additional case was expected and we are prepared to quickly investigate and provide guidance to those determined to be close contacts to prevent potential spread to others,” said Dr. Michael Caldwell, Director of Health for Nashville/Davidson County. “Our guidance to the community remains the same; everyone should continue to take steps to protect themselves and others by following routine health precautions.”
Other counties affected are Shelby County with one case, Sullivan County with one case, and Williamson County with five cases.
The CDC is awarding the state $10,078,293.60 to support Tennessee's COVID-19 response.
Williamson County Schools will remain closed for the week. The district said the School Aged Child Care program will be open at inclement weather sites on both Thursday and Friday. Williamson County Schools set up a frequently asked questions website that can be found by clicking here.
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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.
