NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Davidson County's first case of COVID-19, also known as the new coronavirus, has been confirmed in Nashville.
Mayor John Cooper, along with city and state health officials, made the announcement during a press conference Sunday morning. They were informed of the county's first presumptive case by the Tennessee Department of Health Saturday night.
They said this case of the virus is not travel-related.
The patient, described as an adult female, is a Nashville resident and has mild symptoms. She is in self-isolation at home and does not have a child in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
MNPS Interim Director Dr. Adrienne Battle said Metro Schools will be in session on Monday, adding that if students are feeling sick they should stay at home. Educators will provide any lessons or materials they need to make sure they don't fall behind in their studies.
Battle also said they're taking additional measures to ensure schools are sanitized and are using cleaning products approved by the CDC.
On COVID-19: Our school district is in close contact with the @NashvilleHealth Health Department and state government officials to monitor and implement the latest Centers for Disease Control guidance. See website for info & resources. https://t.co/CBDKn1lOxt pic.twitter.com/ULDQiHQf2L
— Metro Schools (@MetroSchools) March 8, 2020
Mayor Cooper said Nashville's first confirmed case is not affecting any of the city's upcoming scheduled events.
Tennessee Department of Health officials said Shelby County also confirmed its first case this weekend, bringing the state's total number of cases to three. On Monday morning, the health department confirmed a fourth case.
Last week, Governor Lee confirmed the first case of the virus in the state of Tennessee, in Williamson County. Health department officials said that man had limited contact after returning from out of state. He isolated himself at his home when he began to feel sick.
The CDC has strict guidelines about testing for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. When the first Tennessee case was confirmed last Wednesday, an estimated 10 people had been tested for the virus.
What is 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.
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
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.
Think you're washing your hands correctly? Nashville health officials want to remind everyone on best practices after the city's first confirmed case of the new coronavirus.
To keep up with the CDC's updates and learn more about 2019-nCoV click here.
