NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The number of confirmed Tennessee cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has risen to 635.
The Tennessee Health Department reported 615 cases. However, Davidson County health officials have report 20 more.
On Sunday. Governor Bill Lee suspended all in-person dining services statewide. His executive order also closed gyms and fitness centers, and lifted alcohol regulations for the time being.
The governor called on all Tennessee businesses to use alternative business models to limit the spread of COVID-19 from March 23 through April 6.
Davidson and Sumner County have both issued “safer at home” orders, urging residents to stay at home as much as possible. The orders also close all nonessential businesses.
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
2 COVID-19 deaths reported in Tenn.; Gov. Lee suspends in-person dining, lifts alcohol regulation
184 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Davidson Co., ‘safer at home’ order begins
Local Kroger stores are changing hours of operation amid the COVID-19 outbreak
Drive-thru assessment centers being set up in Nashville for COVID-19 testing
Here’s where students can receive free breakfast, lunch during COVID-19 closings
What is an “essential business” under Mayor Cooper’s “Safer at Home” order
Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
Where has COVID-19 been confirmed?
Latest update: March 22nd, 2 p.m.
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:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Governor Bill Lee’s guidance for mass gatherings, schools, state employees and the state capitol building to prevent the virus’ spread:
Mass Gatherings
The CDC recommends gatherings of 10 people or more in the U.S. be canceled or postponed over the next eight weeks. The CDC added this advisory does not apply to place of business and schools.
Schools
Tennessee schools are urged to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by March 20. Schools should remain closed through March 31 to further mitigate the spread of infectious disease.
State Employees, Business Travel
Effective immediately, state employees who have been trained and certified to work from home within the state’s Alternative Workplace Solutions (AWS) program will work from home through March 31, 2020. Approximately 11,000 state employees are certified AWS employees and can begin work from home with no disruption to state business.
Effective immediately, state employees have been instructed to cease all non-essential business travel through March 31, 2020.
Tennessee State Capitol Closed to Visitors
The Tennessee State Capitol is closed to tours and visitors through March 31, 2020. Members of the media will continue to have access to the State Capitol building.
Kommentare