There were 18 individuals in Tennessee with COVID-19 as of 2 p.m. Thursday, according Kim Tedford, Regional Director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department. She said there were no confirmed cases in Madison County.
“We will let you know if and when that occurs,” Tedford said at a press conference at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, 620 Skyline Drive. “You’ll be the first to know that there is a confirmed case. We do expect to see it eventually.”
Tedford said there are eight confirmed cases in Williamson County, six in Davidson County, two confirmed in Shelby County, one in Knox County and one in Sullivan County.
Tedford said approximately 80 percent of people who will get COVID-19 will get sick and recover with no problem.
“It’s that other 20 percent that we’re concerned about, that’s the elderly population, people with immune-compromised positions and medical conditions that already exists,” Tedford said.
Tedford said that as a community, “we need to mitigate the spread.”
“It could be here and us just not know it yet,” Tedford said.
She stressed that everyone should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, stating that she knows people are sick of hearing it.
“But, it’s the most effective thing we can do, wash our hands and use hand sanitizer, with at least 60 percent alcohol,” she said. “Don’t touch your face, your eyes, your mouth. Wipe down common areas, at home and at work, with disinfectant, to get rid of the virus.”
Tedford also mentioned that people will see changes in the community or have already seen them, especially in regard to nursing home facilities.
Teford also said people shouldn’t go to the emergency room or the health department asking to be tested for COVID-19.
“We’re not conducting testing at the health department,” she said.
Tedford said those who think they are showing signs of the virus should contact their healthcare provider and let them instruct them and see if they need to be tested.
“There’s going to come a point in time, not everyone is gonna need to be tested,” she said “You may get sick with this illness and recuperate at home, self-isolate yourself and not need to be tested. Being tested is not going to change the treatment that you’re going to receive, unless you are extremely ill or in respiratory distress or need emergency care. Please don’t go to the emergency department and ask to be tested.”
Tedford said there are safety nets, like Christ Community Health Services and walk-in clinics, for those without a healthcare provider or insurance. She urged people in those situations to call those safety nets to find out what they should do.