For the most up to date information on the Coronavirus, visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s news page by clicking here

Coronavirus Updates and Information

National Updates

• FAQ on telehealth and HIPAA from the US Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/telehealth-faqs-508.pdf
• Here is a list of COVID-19 resources for all 50 states: https://www.policymed.com/2020/03/u-s-state-health-department-covid-19-resources-for-patients-and-healthcare-providers.html
• The CDC has added six new warning signs of COVID-19. The new symptoms are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

• COVID-19 may be causing sudden strokes in adults under 50. Doctors recommend calling for an ambulance if you experience stroke symptoms as the condition could be related.
  • Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/health/strokes-coronavirus-young-adults/index.html
• According to the CDC, face coverings or masks should not be used on young children under 2 years old or anyone who has trouble breathing.
• Recent guidelines from the White House on reopening the country include 3 phases, starting with a 14-day period of reduced flu-like illnesses, COVID-19 cases, and hospital overcrowding.
  • Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/
• Medical experts suggest that patients in need of prescription medication stock up with at least a 30-day supply on hand during shelter-in-place, or in case of self-isolation.
  • Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/coronavirus-med-shortage-what-to-know#Stock-up-on-30-day-supply-of-prescription-meds

Frequently Asked Questions

How to protect yourself

• Social distancing
  • The virus spreads person-to-person. The CDC estimates that 6 feet is a safe distance from someone who may be infected.
• Wash your hands
  • This is still commonly considered as some of the easiest armor against the virus. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Hand sanitizer made of at least 60% alcohol is an acceptable alternative to soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces
  • Diluted household bleach solutions and solutions with 70% alcohol are ideal for disinfecting surfaces.
    • Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-your-home.html  
• Responding to public health crises can have a detrimental effect on mental health
  • The CDC recommends limiting consumption of media coverage about the disease and focusing on self-care activities at home.
    • Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/

How to protect others

• Stay home if you are sick
  • Unless medical care is needed, the safest way to protect others is to stay home.
• Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow, to prevent any particles transferring to another person through touch.
• Wash your hands
  • Use warm, soapy water, and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear cloth face coverings in public settings
  • Especially in places like grocery stores and other communal areas where it is hard to maintain social distancing.
    • Recent studies have shown that coronavirus patients can be asymptomatic (lack any symptoms of the disease), so face coverings are important.
      • Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
• Use non contact methods of greeting, rather than handshaking to prevent spread of virus
  • Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf

Tips for your home

• Increase the ventilation in your home or place of work by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may not appear for up to two weeks. If you feel you may have been exposed, please exercise caution when considering leaving home. 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Who is most at risk?

• Older Adults
• People with underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease)

Who should be tested?

• Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.
• CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers.
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
• You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

Where can I find more information?

We have many helpful articles below that have been tracking the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also find more information about how to stay safe in this unprecedented time at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html