March 14, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world, including in Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee Thursday declared a state of emergency while making plans to shore up the state’s medical resources in anticipation of a wave of new patients. But State Senator Mark Pody and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, who made a joint appearance at an event in DeKalb County Friday, are cautioning people not to panic.
State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver and State Senator Mark Pody address concerns about the coronavirus from dwayne page on Vimeo.
“We don’t need to be afraid we just need to use common sense,” said Senator Pody.
Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have mild respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. A smaller number of patients have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.
As of Friday, state officials said Tennessee had 26 detected cases of COVID-19.
Senator Pody, trying to ease concerns, said people should put things in perspective.
“Since the start of this coronavirus there have been 138,000 people who have gotten this virus worldwide and of that 138,000 we have already had over 70,000 completely cured with no further problems whatsoever. We have about 62,000 who still have some sort of virus. They have been tested positive and of that number (62,000) there are 56,600 people who have already been calculated as mild so they will recover. It comes down to this. In the entire history of this virus worldwide there have been 5,080 deaths and that is tragic but every single year we have millions of people that get the flu and die from it. This virus (coronavirus) isn’t even coming close to that. Its really important to keep this in perspective,” said Senator Pody.
“In the United States, as of today (Friday) there have been 1,800 plus cases and of that number (1,800) there have been 41 deaths in this nation since it started and over half of those deaths came from one facility, a nursing home in the state of Washington. The average age of people passing away from this virus has been over 80 years old and most of those people had an underlying health condition. If you are a healthy person and get something like this it will probably be more like an allergy or flu like symptom. It may not necessarily put you in the hospital. We are saying don’t go overboard and think that this is something that will destroy Tennessee or America. Its not that. Just use some common sense and go on with your everyday lives,” said Pody.
Representative Weaver also cautioned people not to panic but to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention if you do get sick.
“This is flu season so wash your hands, cover your mouth, and if you are sick just stay home and take care of yourself. If your children are sick don’t send them to school. Its just common sense.
If you feel you have any symptoms go get tested or have a checkup. Take care of yourself,” she said.
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
The governor’s state of an emergency declaration on Thursday came one day after the World Health Organization said COVID-19 had become a global pandemic, President Donald Trump ordered a ban on air travel from Europe, sports leagues suspended seasons, and schools throughout the state said they planned to shut down campuses. On Friday President Trump declared a national emergency, a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars to fighting the virus.
With the emergency declaration, Tennessee will join an ever-growing number of states to take similar action. As of Wednesday, at least 28 had declared states of emergency, according to the National Governors Association.
The declaration will also give Tennessee access to additional federal funding to combat the coronavirus. Before Thursday’s announcement, Tennessee was set to receive $10 million from the federal government to help with the state’s response.
The Tennessee Department of Health has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The number is 877-857-2945 and is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.
People with concerns about their health should contact their health care providers. TDH has additional information available at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html. The CDC has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.