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February 18 COVID-19 update: Tennessee surpasses 11K deaths

Metro reports 82 new cases, assessment centers still closed
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Department of Health reported 998 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of known cases in the state to 761,301.

As of February 18, Tennessee has surpassed 11,000 deaths from COVID-19. Seventy-two additional Tennesseans have died from COVID-19, bringing the total deaths so far to 11,057.

Due to the winter storms, many testing centers around the state have been closed this week, which has impacted TDH's daily report of new cases.

Of the total cases, 731,791 are now considered recovered while 18,453 remain active. Thursday's rate of positive tests is 8.34%.

Hospitals statewide reported 1,108 current COVID-19 patients overnight.

Metro Public Health officials reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and one additional death.

Metro is also providing its weekly COVID update on Thursday as the city's assessment centers remain closed due to weather. Many testing centers around the state have also been closed for the week.

As of Thursday, Davidson County's total number of cases is at 88,382; 85,505 of those are now considered to be inactive/recovered. Right now, there are 2,258 active cases.

Health officials said there has been one new confirmed death reported in the past 24 hours, a 76-year-old woman with underlying health conditions.

A total of 580 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 619 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.


New cases per 100,000 people: 30.4
Seven-day percent positive of COVID-19 tests: 5.8

Available Middle Tennessee hospital beds: 23 percent
Available Middle Tennessee ICU beds: 13 percent

The MPHD COVID-19 Hotline received 749 calls on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

Total number of cases: 88,382
Cases reported in the past 24 hours: 82

Cases by sex
Male: 41,856
Female: 45,771
Unknown: 755

Cases by age

Unknown142
0-104,201
11-208,972
21-3024,671
31-4017,169
41-5011,731
51-609,914
61-706,499
71-803,232
81+1,851
Total88,382
Inactive/Recovered85,505
Deaths619
Total active cases2,258


MORE TENNESSEE COVID-19 COVERAGE

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.