NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In addition to giving you important information about what's open during the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to encourage you to take part in Take Out Tuesday. Try to set aside Tuesdays as a day you patronize your favorite local restaurant. Remember, while no in-dining is available right now, many restaurants are offering curb side pickup or drive thru services.
From North Nashville all the way out to Putnam County, restaurants were already hit hard by the deadly tornadoes that swept through in the middle of the night March 3. Some that were just opening back up have been forced to close their doors as part of Mayor John Cooper's Safer At Home order for COVID-19. Restaurants who can do takeout are still allowed to operate.
One of those businesses impacted by both the tornadoes and COVID-19, Five Points Pizza, is opening their carry-out window 11 a.m. Tuesday for the first time since the tornado hit East Nashville.
Supporting local businesses is something the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging as well.
"The sooner we slow the spread of COVID-19, the sooner we can get back to business as usual for our businesses and our employees," Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ralph Schulz said. "For the short term, small business and the tourism industry need our support, hotels, restaurants, concert venues and music festivals are a big part of our livelihood."
A list of restaurants open for take out can be found here.
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
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- 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.
