NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — This is officially the worst week of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee in terms of new cases and deaths.
A total of 5,726 new cases were reported this week, making it the worst week of the pandemic. Sixty deaths were also reported, which makes it officially the deadliest week for COVID-19 Tennessee.
The number of active cases continues to skyrocket and is now at another all-time high of 13,429 people who have been diagnosed but have not recovered.
And, once again, increased testing CANNOT be blamed for the uptick in #COVID19 in Tennessee. The percentage of new tests coming back positive is very strong. 6/ pic.twitter.com/8r8RRVTzph
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) June 27, 2020
On Saturday, the Tennessee Department of Health reported 40,172 total cases across the state and 584 deaths. Metro Nashville/Davidson County also reported its highest daily increase with 350 new cases.
Read Phil Williams’ (@NC5PhilWilliams) full thread below:
Another big hospitalization number as this officially becomes the worst week of the #COVID19 pandemic in Tennessee in terms of new confirmed cases and deaths. Full analysis to follow. 1/ https://t.co/ePk35JHmEE
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) June 27, 2020
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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.
