NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Public Health Department has confirmed 257 cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County, an increase of four cases in the past 24 hours.
Dr. Alex Jahangir provided an update Wednesday, saying of the confirmed cases, one patient has died from complications due to the coronavirus. Three others remain hospitalized, while 34 people have recovered. The remaining 219 cases are self-isolating at home and have mild and manageable symptoms.
Even though the number of cases has only risen slightly since Tuesday, Dr. Jahangir does not believe we're seeing a downtrend of the virus.
“Similar to several days ago, I believe this is a function of results that have come into the department and does not represent the beginning of a downtrend of this virus,” said Jahangir.
When asked about the city's hospital capacity, Dr. Jahangir said they currently have 3,000 beds and 650 ICU beds. However, that does not take into account the staffing needed to care for those potential patients.
Watch the full update below:
Total number of Cases: 257
Number of Cases confirmed today: 4
Cases by sex
Male: 127
Female: 126
Unknown: 4
Total Cases by age
| Unknown | 3 |
| 0-4 | 1 |
| 5-17 | 3 |
| 18-49 | 196 |
| 50-64 | 29 |
| 65+ | 25 |
| Total | 257 |
| Recovered | 34 |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Total active cases | 222 |
“We all have a role to play to flatten the curve," said Dr. Michael Caldwell, Metro Public Health Director. "Even those who are young can play probably the most important part in making sure that we reduce this virus in our community.”
Dr. Caldwell also stressed the importance of social distancing, adding that "young people can and do get severely impacted by this disease.”
Metro Nashville launched a website to keep residents informed on COVID-19 cases in Davidson County. COVID19.Nashville.Gov will provide new information as it becomes available.
Metro Health officials have also launched a COVID-19 hotline staffed with nurses and other public health professionals to answer questions and provide the latest information. The hotline has as many as 15 call takers and can be reached by dialing 615-862-7777. It will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Those who call will have an option to access recorded messages offering the latest information about coronavirus and details about the Safer at Home Order in English and Spanish. Interpretation services will be available in Spanish and Arabic, among other languages.
If you need to be assessed for COVID-19, you should contact your health care provider.
Hotels spas and restaurants that have temporarily closed have donated 10,000 pairs of protective gloves for first responders and healthcare workers during the pandemic. Metro's Office of Emergency Management is holding a supply drive for other critically needed medical supplies. Click here for more information.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said emergency shelters for the homeless community will be set up by Thursday. Those facing food security challenges can visit covid19.nashville.com for resources or call the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee at 615-329-3491.
Metro Parks are also closing all playgrounds, dog parks, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and skate parks until further notice. Parks, greenways, trails and golf courses will remain open but you're expected to wash your hands, stay at least six feet from another person, and stay at home if sick.
Metro Parks isn’t wasting any time. Fairgrounds Dog Park is already padlocked. Playgrounds, dog parks, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and skate parks will be closed until further notice. Parks, greenways, trails and golf courses remain open. @nc5 pic.twitter.com/9bwT2PYQVw
— Chris Davis (@ChrisDavisMMJ) March 25, 2020
Metro Nashville Public Schools will remain closed at least through Friday, April 24. MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle said the school district is working with community partners to distribute food boxes to families in need. Click here to learn where to pick up a meal each day.
Additionally, Nashville Public Television will work with MNPS to create educational content for students. The new programming schedule will begin airing on March 30.
Nashville Public Television president and CEO Kevin Crane said the programming would include:
- Early childhood programming: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Middle School/High School students: (subjects include science, math, history and language arts) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Normally scheduled programming for young children will resume at 2 p.m.
Nashvillians are currently under a "safer at home" order, which was given to help limit the spread of the virus. All nonessential businesses must close, but grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores and pharmacies are among the businesses that will remain open.
Click here to see a list of restaurants that are open/closed.
Residents may still go outside for fresh air, but Mayor Cooper asks that everyone keep six feet apart.
Click here for more information on what's considered essential business under Mayor Cooper's order.
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.
