NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The number of Tennesseans hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 has nearly doubled in the last six weeks, according to the latest overnight data from the Tennessee Department of Health.
With nearly every day bringing a new record, there are now 1,929 patients with confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Tennessee hospitals - up almost 300 from just a week earlier.
MORNING UPDATE: The number of Tennesseans hospitalized with confirmed cases of #COVID19 has nearly doubled in the last six weeks. There are now 1,929 patients with confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Tennessee hospitals - up almost 300 from just a week earlier. 1/ @NC5 pic.twitter.com/4QYrznjCVq
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) November 17, 2020
Six weeks ago, there were just 988 COVID patients in Tennessee hospitals.
In addition to the 1,929 confirmed cases, there are another 209 hospitalized patients with possible cases of the virus awaiting confirmation.
The dramatic surge in cases has put a strain on the state's medical facilities, especially those in more rural areas.
Statewide, there are 268 intensive care unit beds currently available, although that number has dropped below 200 in recent weeks.
The pressure on hospitals is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Tennessee reported a record-shattering 7,951 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, putting the state on track for a potential 110,000 new cases in the month of November.
Already, the state is close to breaking last month's record of 64,533 new cases.
The pressure on hospitals is expected to increase in the coming weeks. Tennessee reported a record-shattering 7,951 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, putting the state on track for a potential 110,000 new cases in the month of November. 4/4 pic.twitter.com/H1ATyaEqmZ
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) November 17, 2020
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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.
