PORTLAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — At least three people in a senior living facility in Portland have tested positive for the new coronavirus two of which have died.
Portland Mayor Mike Callis said two of the three residents of Highland Rim Terrace have died from COVID-19 complications. Mayor Callis said both people who died had underlying health issues.
One of the residents is being treated in the hospital.
Highland Rim Terrace is an affordable housing community for senior citizens.
Mayor Callis said the building is being locked down, meaning no one can leave or enter at this time.
Portland sits between both Sumner and Robertson County. On Saturday, when Mayor Callis made the announcement, there were 82 confirmed cases in Sumner County and 23 confirmed cases in Robertson County.
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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.
