NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee reported more new cases of COVID-19 this week than in any other since the pandemic began.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 429 additional cases on Saturday, bringing the state's total number of cases to 34,446. Just this week, the state added 4,905 cases.
This is officially the worst week for new #COVID19 cases in Tennessee since the pandemic began 1/ https://t.co/cJ9MmEjusC
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) June 20, 2020
The number of active #COVID19 cases in Tennessee once again sets a new record of 11,084. (Active cases = confirmed cases - recovered cases - deaths) 4/ pic.twitter.com/UABVx5o20n
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) June 20, 2020
You CANNOT blame the increase numbers on more testing. The number of new #COVID19 cases as a percentage of new tests is up sharply 3/ pic.twitter.com/F7nzVe5SPC
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) June 20, 2020
The state also added Hardeman County to the list of counties with unacceptable transmission rates. They provided the following guide to determine whether visitation is allowed at long-term care facilities.
TDOH officials reported 1,188 new cases on Friday, making it the largest single-day increase in total cases since the pandemic began.
In Memphis, the Shelby County Health Department reported an increase of 385 cases Saturday, eclipsing the previous single-day spike by more than 100 cases.
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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.
