West Tennessee Making Preparations For Coronavirus
The State of Tennessee is making preparations for possible impact from the Coronavirus. Henry County officials along with City of Paris officials were part of a West Tennessee regional conference call on Wednesday with State Dept of Health Officials to discuss the current status of COVID-19 in Tennessee. Dept of Health Officials said Tennessee now has 7 confirmed cases with 1 in Davidson County, 1 in Sullivan County, 1 in Shelby and 4 in Williamson Counties.
State Health Officials indicate most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have mild respiratory illness with fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. A smaller number of patients have had severe symptoms requiring hospitalization nation wide.
County health departments and health care facilities have been trained to receive patients suspected of having the virus. COVID-19 testing is now being conducted in the state health lab seven days a week to assist local public health authorities.
The elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are more at risk for severe illness. Health officials say only the sick should consider wearing a mask to reduce spread of virus.
Tennesseans are encouraged to take routine precautions used in guarding against respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay home if you are sick
- Stay away from people who are sick
Local government officials, schools, hospital, clinics, and emergency responders are working closely with State Health Officials and are making plans for mitigation of virus spread and other possible impacts on Henry County.
A statewide Coronavirus Public Information Line has been launched in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Control Center. For any questions or concerns about Coronavirus call 877-857-2945 10AM to 10PM CDT.
Additional information can be obtained from the following web sites:
