GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt has extended the county's "safer at home" order until April 7.
Mayor Holt's declaration first went into effect on March 24 and was set to last for only seven days.
Due to the increase in Sumner County's number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the mayor made the decision to extend his order.
"At this point in time, it is critical that we work together to stay at home as much as possible. Please limit our activities to only interact with other individuals when there is a necessity to do so," Mayor Holt said. "We must act responsible at this time to ensure that our actions do not jeopardize others, such as our elderly population and those among us who have compromised immune systems."
Over the weekend, a nursing home in Gallatin and a senior living community in Portland both saw cases among residents. Four people have died in the county due to complications with the new coronavirus.
The declaration could be extended again, the mayor's office said.
Sumner County residents are urged to shelter at home whenever possible. You may leave your home, but practice social distancing.
Under the order, nonessential businesses must close. Essential businesses include grocery and beverage stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, pharmacies and gas stations. Click here for more information on what "essential business" means.
Residents are encouraged to report any large groups seen congregating in the county to law enforcement.
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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.
