SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt has extended the county's Safer at Home Declaration amid the COVID-19 outbreak through at least April 14 2020.
In the extension declaration, Mayor Holt thanked residents who are stepping up to help others. He wrote: "During these trying times it reassures me to see all of the acts of kindness and generosity towards those most affected by this pandemic. I am especially thankful to all of those who are taking the expert advice seriously and are limiting unnecessary contact with others. Please isolate yourself as much as possibly and only buy what is needed."
Sumner County will continue running essential government functions.
Mayor Holt went on to outline several things every Sumner County resident can do to help flatten the curve and reduce the impact of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer) for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay home if you are sick or even suspect you are sick, contact your medical provider
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue
- Clean and disinfect objects and high touch surfaces regularly
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
- Do not go out in public unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid crowds
- During this time, please stay home as much as possible to reduce your risk of being exposed or exposing others
If residents observe people congregating in large groups and acting "in an irresponsible manner," that activity can be reported to local law enforcement and/or the state health department.
Sumner County's Safer at Home Declaration coincides with Governor Bill Lee's Stay at Home order.
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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.
