FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Williamson County Schools will close district-wide on Friday, March 6 and Monday, March 9 for a deep cleaning after a man in the county contracted COVID-19.
Gov. Bill Lee announced the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus in the state. The patient, described as a 44-year-old man, is in Williamson County and is currently quarantined at home. The Tennessee Department of Health is working to determine to which states he traveled.
Read more: Gov. Bill Lee announces first confirmed case of coronavirus in Williamson County
Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said the overall risk to the general public remains low. Officials with Battle Ground Academy reported the patient as a parent of one of their students. The school will be closed the rest of the week as well as the Williamson County School District.
All extracurricular activities will also be canceled, as is the School Age Child Care program.
The district said these days off will count as inclement weather days. There are seven remaining days after March 9 for the school year.
What is COVID-19?
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.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
To keep up with the CDC's updates and learn more about 2019-nCoV click here.
