Late Wednesday night, local officials verified there has been at least one confirmed case of CORONAVIRUS in Benton County.
Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee said, “Tonight we were notified by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) that a resident of Benton County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The patient is recovering and currently being isolated for protective health measures.”
He continued, “This is not unexpected. Leaders at every level, including our local officials have been preparing for the mitigation of this risk and possible threat to our citizens. We are coordinating with the TDH and our local healthcare community to make sure all Benton County residents are protected as we know potential future exposures are the first and foremost of your concerns. We understand anxiety is a natural response. I want to emphasize that we should not panic, nor lose faith in our community’s ability to meet this risk with adequate and effective measures for a sustained period of time.”
Lashlee said, “It is important to remember that the vast majority of cases are mild in nature and recover quickly. If you are ill with respiratory symptoms, it is important that you contact your medical doctor or practitioner first and self-isolate. Avoid going to the Emergency Room or your doctor’s office in person unless you have made prior arrangements to do so. In contacting your primary care provider first, you will be given further instructions on how to proceed. This will help prevent exposing the virus to others. We all have to work together to make sure our healthcare community is not overwhelmed and the exposures kept to a minimum.”
He finished with, “We will continue to closely monitor this ever-evolving situation and we will adapt our response as appropriate. Both our government as well as our community organizations have already been initiating actions to protect our citizens. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we know our actions and responses are causing inconveniences to many, but we must be vigilant when it comes to our citizens safety. Please be mindful of our elderly and those who have weakened immune systems. Practice good health and hygiene. Avoid social gatherings until the risk has subsided. Please be mindful to support our local businesses as this is placing great financial strain on them. I have faith in our citizens and this challenge will make us stronger in the end. We will get through this together. I will continue to work hard and keep you informed and most of all, safe. Continue to pray for and support our citizens and May God Bless Benton County.“
For those with specific questions about the coronavirus can call the TDH Information Line at 877-857-2945, or 731-421-6782.
This is a developing story.
