NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee is producing a series of public service announcements designed to encourage social distancing.
The campaign has the tag line, “Do your part, stay apart," and features Gov. Bill Lee and first lady Maria Lee plus other prominent Tennesseans.
Do your part. Stay apart. #TNStayApart@MariaLeeTN @TNDeptofHealth pic.twitter.com/N8Vo3aXtzT
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 26, 2020
According to a news release, the participants have recorded messages from their homes, emphasizing that Tennesseans should stay home as much as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Lee has closed bars and restaurants except for take-out and delivery. He also closed gyms, barred most visitors to nursing homes, and prohibited social gatherings of 10 people or more. A group of doctors is urging an immediate stay-at-home order.
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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.
