NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee recorded another dramatic increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight, as the coronavirus continues its unprecedented spread throughout the Volunteer State.
There are now 1,634 patients in Tennessee hospitals with confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 1,553 reported the day before, according to data posted on the Tennessee Department of Health website that tracks hospitalizations.
BREAKING: Tennessee recorded another dramatic increase in #COVID19 hospitalizations overnight, as the coronavirus continues its unprecedented spread. There are now 1,634 patients in Tennessee hospitals with confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 1,553 reported the day before. 1/ pic.twitter.com/xaGFfYjSVt
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) November 10, 2020
Another 181 people are hospitalized with possible COVID diagnoses awaiting clinical confirmation, bringing the combined total to a record-setting 1,815 patients.
Intensive care unit capacity dropped slightly overnight with 242 ICU beds still being available statewide, about 12 percent of capacity, although not all of those beds may be equipped for COVID patients.
In recent weeks, some of Tennessee's smaller medical facilities have reached ICU capacity as a result of the surge in coronavirus cases and have been forced to divert patients to other hospitals.
Statewide, 2,138 hospital floor beds remain available, about 19 percent of capacity.
For the past few weeks, Tennessee has continued to set record hospitalization numbers and has seen a steady rise in new daily cases.
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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.
