NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee has risen to 2,026. A total of 13 deaths have been reported across the state.
NewsChannel 5 is keeping an independent count of cases in the state, using information from both the Tennessee Department of Health and local health agencies.
Davidson County continues to have the highest number of cases in the state at 541. Metro health officials confirmed the county's second death on Friday. Shelby County follows behind with a total of 379 cases. And Sumner County has the third highest count with a total of 179 cases.
Sumner County has the highest number of deaths in the state with a total of four. Two people with underlying conditions died in Portland and two people died in Gallatin. Three deaths have been reported in Davidson County, according to the mayor's daily press conference on Monday.
The Tennessee Department of Health said there have been 148 hospitalizations.
Current county-by-county numbers are available in the map below this story, updated daily after 2 p.m. These numbers may not add up our independent count, as the daily reports from the Tennessee Department of Health often have dozens of cases that have yet been linked to a county.
Metro and Tennessee health officials have warned the growing demand for testing is leading to a longer turnaround for results, which might create a false impression that the curve is beginning to flatten in the state.
Governor Bill Lee has asked all public schools to remain closed until April 24. On Sunday, President Trump extended the CDC's social distancing guidelines until April 30.
Why our independent count may show different numbers from the state, other media: According to the state department of health, the labs notify local jurisdictions first, which leads to some local health departments reporting higher numbers. They took to social media explaining the discrepancy saying, "Laboratory reports of positive cases are reported to metro and local health departments as soon as results are available. State numbers are updated at 2 p." We are monitoring the count given by local jurisdictions, as well as the counts given by the state, to calculate our independent count.
Editor's Note: We are publishing updates to our COVID-19 count multiple times daily, but with a new story created each day to help track the growth of the virus in the state. Our latest reporting will always be at the top of our website at https://www.newschannel5.com. If this story is more than 24 hours old, (the date this story was published is available at the top of our story, just under the headline) please head to our homepage for our most accurate information.
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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.
