Tennessee sees first confirmed case of new coronavirus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus, state Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey announced in a Thursday morning news conference.

The patient is an adult male living in Williamson County who recently traveled out of the state. The patient is isolated at home with mild symptoms and his household contacts are being evaluated, Piercy said.

Tennessee epidemiologist Mary-Margaret Fill, who also spoke at the news conference, said the patient began feeling ill shortly after returning from out-of-state travel and had very limited activity outside his home.

Tennessee sees first confirmed case of new coronavirusThe Health Department is compiling a list of other people who may have been in contact with him and reaching out to them for testing. Piercy said the threat to the general public in Tennessee from COVID-19 is low. She encouraged people to take common sense precautions like hand washing.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee praised the steps the state has taken to prepare for the virus.

“Tennessee was one of the first five states to begin testing,” he said. “I’m confident in the measures were are taking to prevent the spread of infection.”

Referring to the tornadoes that tore through the state early Tuesday morning, killing 24 people, Lee said, “It’s been a difficult week for our state. Tens of thousands of people are suffering.” But he said advance emergency preparation has helped the state in that case, just as it is helping with the COVID-19 response.