WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn (WTVF) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after health officials confirmed its first case of the new strain of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The case was confirmed in Lexington. The Department of Public Health noted 10 people have been tested, but only one tested positive for COVID-19
Tennessee also recently confirmed its first case of COVID-19. The state Health Department confirmed Friday morning, those living with the 44-year-old patient tested negative for the virus, as well as two others who were not related.
Governor Bill Lee announced the confirmed case Thursday, saying the 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.
COVID-19 is not currently widespread in Tennessee or the United States. Health officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low.
The patient does have a child who attends Battle Ground Academy. The school released a letter to parents and guardians of sanitizing efforts.
Both Battle Ground Academy and Williamson County schools closed schools today to disinfect as a precaution and clean every school.
"From a school perspective, doctors from Franklin's special school district and I both determined there was some wisdom in taking a day or two out to do some additional cleaning, some anti-bacterial cleaning in our schools, so we have determined to close schools," said Williamson County schools superintendent Jason Golden.
Williamson County schools will be closed on Monday and BGA will send an update to parents on Sunday.
"I’m glad they’re disinfecting and doing deep cleaning, said grandparent Gena Brunger, "It’s a virus that anybody can catch and spreads very easily. "
The state health department says COVID-19 is not currently widespread in Tennessee or the United States, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.
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.
