For Immediate Release: Coffee County Mayor’s Office
We have been notified by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) that a resident of Coffee County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The patient was placed in quarantine at the time of testing and has been very careful to ensure they have followed self-quarantine recommendations. This person is currently recovering at home.
This is not unexpected. Your local officials have been preparing for and expecting this for weeks. We are coordinating with the TDH and the healthcare community to make sure all Coffee County residents are protected.
The worst thing we can do during trying times like this is panic. It is important to remember that the vast majority of patients that contract this virus have a mild course of illness and recovery quickly. If you are ill with respiratory symptoms, it is very important that you call your doctor first. Do not go to the Emergency Department or any doctor’s office without calling first. We all have to work together to make sure our health care community is not overwhelmed.
We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and will adapt our response as appropriate.
Here are some things you can do to help:
As I mentioned, do not go to the doctor or the emergency room without calling first. Keep your hands clean and continue to practice social distancing. If you are feeling bad, stay at home. Keep an eye on our elders. They need to be staying at home as much as possible and we need to support them and keep them safe. People over the age of 65 and those with prior illness are at greatest risk so we need to come together and support them.
Again, I want to emphasize, this was not unexpected. We are prepared and are working closely with the TDH and all agencies of government at all levels to minimize the impact on the residents of Coffee County. That has been and continues to be our primary concern. We will get through this together. Of this I am certain.
Individuals with specific questions can call the TDH Information line at 877-857-2945 or 731-421-6782.
Thank you,
Mayor Gary Cordell