NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro health officials have confirmed additional cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County, bringing the county's total to 60.
Mayor John Cooper provided an update Thursday morning, saying he signed Executive Order #6, which declares an immediate state of emergency throughout Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County and enhances Metro's ability to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dr. Alex Jahangir said the age range for all confirmed cases in Nashville is from 11 to 73 years old. Of the confirmed cases, two remain hospitalized. Dr. Jahangir said the remaining 58 cases are self-isolating at home and have mild and manageable symptoms.
“A coordinated response is the most effective response, and a declaration of emergency provides Metro Government and all our local partners with responsible but rapid resourcing and decision-making capabilities to overcome the challenge of the coronavirus,” said Mayor Cooper.
Cooper also announced that the Frist Foundation has approved a $1 million grant to Nashville's new COVID-19 Response Fund, which was created to help those affected by the new coronavirus outbreak.
Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Adrienne Battle said the district has compiled a resource guide with digital tools for students and families while schools are out. The resources and links are optimal and won’t affect student grades, advancement to the next grade level or graduation requirements.
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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.
