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Vehicle emissions testing in Tennessee suspended until May

Financial Impact Of Emissions Tests In Tennessee
Posted 3:07 PM, Mar 27, 2020
and last updated 3:07 PM, Mar 27, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Vehicle emissions testing in Tennessee has been suspended until May 18.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said Friday that Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order temporarily suspended requirements for vehicle emissions testing.

“Suspending requirements for vehicle emissions testing in counties that conduct testing is necessary,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “Tennessee families are responding to many restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19, and this action helps alleviate some of the difficulty Tennesseans are facing at this time.”

Vehicle testing centers in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson Counties are now closed.

Gov. Lee has also extended the expiration date on motor vehicle registrations that expire from March 12 through May 18 to June 15.

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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.