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Physicians, mayors, and county leaders from Middle TN urge Gov. Bill Lee to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order

The physicians say a shelter-in-place should be issued for at least 14 days.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Physicians, mayors, and county leaders from Middle Tennessee are urging Governor Bill Lee to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order.

A letter was sent to the Governor Friday, signed by many medical professionals and physicians, saying a shelter-in-place should be issued for at least 14 days, effective midnight Sunday, March 22.

The letter also says anyone returning from domestic or international travel should be self-quarantined for 14 days.

Credit: WATN

Saturday, the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus sent its own letter to Governor Lee, voicing support for statewide stay at home directive.

Credit: Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus

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Coronavirus in Context: 

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Lower your risk

  • 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.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

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