NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee says they are continuing to watch the data, but have not made a decision on whether or not his "Stay-at-Home" order will be extended.
The order is in effect until April 14 at midnight, but the illness may not reach its peak in Tennessee for a another week or two.
"As of now, the date for that order is next Tuesday night at midnight and we will watch that data," explained Go. Lee.
During Wednesday's press briefing, the governor said he hasn't made a decision on if the order will be extended because the data continues to change on a daily basis.
He encouraged residents saying, what the state is doing seems to be successfully flattening the curve.
"The initial order that closed bars and restaurants, the previous orders in the major cities, all of those efforts have had a profound effect on the movement of Tennesseans but also on the slow spread slowing the spread of this virus...We know we can't stop this virus that we can slow it down to the point that we have adequate capacity in our healthcare system," Lee said.
However, it's still unclear just how long those efforts will need to continue.
READ MORE: New model predicts dramatic COVID-19 flattening in Tennessee
MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE
- Mask mandate, capacity restrictions lifted in Nashville; what you need to know
- Tennessee, Metro to offer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12-15 years old
- Nashville's COVID-19 testing centers to adjust operating hours
- Walmart pharmacies in Tennessee now offering COVID-19 vaccines
- Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
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.
