NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Community leaders have created a COVID-19 response fund to help those affected by the new coronavirus outbreak in Davidson County.
The COVID-19 Response Fund at United Way of Greater Nashville was set up after the Metropolitan Board of Health declared a public health emergency on Sunday. As a result, several businesses have been forced to close their doors.
“We are deeply grateful to United Way and to our corporate and philanthropic partners for stepping up yet again to assist our neighbors who are hurting from the ripple effects of the current public health emergency,” Mayor John Cooper stated. “We urge everyone to assist each other while remaining vigilant to the limitations imposed by social distancing. One easy way to help those directly affected by the economic restrictions caused by the coronavirus is to provide monetary support to the COVID-19 Response Fund. For Nashville to rebound as quickly as possible, we need to be sure that all our local employees, particularly those in our entertainment and hospitality industry, have our support. This Fund has been created to help with that effort.”
Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD, was picked to chair the fund’s advisory committee.
According to a release, it was established to “quickly and effectively address both the health and economic challenges of this virus” and will send resources to community-based organizations.
The fund will focus its initial allocations on helping those who are experiencing lost income or those who become ill from the virus. Metro officials say the fund will launch with more than $1 million and 100% of the money will benefit those in need.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. made the first donation of $500,000.
Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phase.
For more information on the COVID-19 Response Fund, or to make a donation, click here.
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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.
