NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health says other people who’ve come in contact with the 44-year-old Williamson County man who tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the new coronavirus, have tested negative for the virus.
Governor Bill Lee announced the state's first confirmed case on Thursday, saying a man had tested positive for COVID-19 and is quarantined at home. The health department said the patient was on a nonstop flight to Boston before getting sick.
On Friday, the health department confirmed that those living with him had tested negative for the virus, as well as two others who were not related.
COVID-19 is not currently widespread in Tennessee or the United States. Health officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low. At this time, no additional precautions are recommended for Tennesseans to take beyond normal practices to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay home if you are sick
- Stay away from people who are sick
Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have mild respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. A smaller number of patients have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.
TDH has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The number is 877-857-2945 and is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central time.
Read more: Medical expert on coronavirus in TN: 'If you develop symptoms, don’t go to the doctor.'
