NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The head of Metro’s Coronavirus Task Force says Nashville still isn't where it needs to be to set a date for reopening.
Mayor John Cooper announced last week that they hoped to begin reopening the city in early-May but said that decision would be based on science and data.
During Metro’s daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday, Dr. Alex Jahangir said the city isn’t where it needs to be just yet. However, he said they will let businesses know in advance when they determine a date to begin phase one.
Tuesday also marked the third straight day that cases increased by 100, which has affected the rolling average.
Jahangir said the transmission rate for the region is currently at one – meaning, on average, one person with the virus is transmitting it to one other person. At this time, he said the outbreak is neither growing nor shrinking.
"Testing of contacts has allowed us to find many mildly symptomatic or even asymptomatic cases who would otherwise act as unknowing vectors," said Leslie Waller, an epidemiologist with Metro Public Health.
Jahangir said while these metrics are concerning, other metrics continue to be in the satisfactory range.
“Remember, everyday we stay the course is another day closer when we can get back to a new normal,” Dr. Jahangir said.
He said they’re basing the decision on when to reopen on multiple metrics and Metro will soon release a dashboard on its website to show the status of each of those.
Meanwhile, dentist and surgical procedures will restart Thursday. Metro health officials still urge everyone stay at home unless absolutely necessary and to wear a face mask while in public.
Watch Tuesday's update below:
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.
