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April 12 COVID-19 update: 5,308 cases, 101 deaths in Tennessee

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Deprtment of Health said a total of 5,308 COVID-19 cases in Tennessee including 101 deaths, 567 hospitalizations and 1,504 people who have recovered from the illness.

Metro Nashville health officials said there are 1,348 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County. This is an increase of 92 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Of the total cases, 279 people have recovered.

Thirteen residents have died from the virus.

The ages of patients range between 2 months old and 94 years old. Fifty-seven people have been treated at a hospital for the virus, and the remaining active cases are self-isolating at home with mild and manageable symptoms.

Davidson County residents can call a hotline if they think they have COVID-19 symptoms at 615-862-7777. It's available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week in both Spanish and English.

On Saturday, the hotline received 70 calls.

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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.