2 more positive tests for coronavirus announced in Tennessee

Published 10:39 pm Monday, March 9, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — Officials announced two more presumptive positive tests for the new coronavirus in Tennessee on Sunday, with the cases in Nashville and Memphis bringing the state’s total to three.

Officials announced that both positive samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for additional testing.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said in a statement an adult female who tested positive is a Nashville resident, has mild symptoms and is in self-isolation at home.

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The case is not considered to be related to travel. The source of the woman’s exposure is unknown and is under investigation, the statement said.

In Memphis, the Shelby County Health Department said in a news release Sunday that a patient who tested positive is in good condition and is receiving treatment in isolation at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

The patient had recently traveled out of state but not out of the country. Further details were withheld to protect the patient’s privacy, the statement said.

Tennessee health officials expect to see additional positive cases as the amount of testing increases.

“A community response requires us all to listen to our health care experts and take common-sense precautions to protect each other to prevent the further spread of this disease,” Cooper said.

The Department of Health confirmed Tennessee’s first case on Thursday. That patient is an adult male living in Williamson County who recently traveled out of state. The patient is isolated at home with mild symptoms and his household contacts are being evaluated, Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said.