Hamilton County has its first coronavirus case, the state Health Department reported on Friday.
The number of cases in the state has risen to 26, including 10 in Davidson County and nine in Williamson County.
There are two cases in Shelby County, and one each in Jefferson, Knox, Rutherford and Sullivan counties.
Tennessee had 18 cases on Thursday, and nine on Wednesday.
Officials said the man who had contracted coronavirus had been in contact with a confirmed patient out of state.
He had returned home and been tested earlier this week after going to his medical provider. The test came back positive earlier today.
The man is at home in quarantine. However, officials said he has already recovered from the virus.
Health Department officials said, "While the risk to the general public remains low, the Health Department continues to conduct surveillance for other possible COVID-19 cases."
“We have been anticipating and preparing for COVID-19 to reach our community,” said Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes, “Our team is acting quickly to protect the public safety and prevent the spread of the disease.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing these symptoms that have had recent travel to COVID-19 affected area, or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, should contact their healthcare provider before presenting at a healthcare facility.
Officials said, "The foundation of a community-wide response is the everyday actions we can take to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of any respiratory disease, such as COVID-19 or influenza, which is still circulating in our community."
These actions include:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Stay home if you are sick to protect others.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve, elbow, or tissue. Discard the tissue immediately after use.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
· Community members 60+ years of age should limit exposure to large groups and ensure they have an adequate supply at home of medications and food.
· Stay informed using reliable information sources, such as the Tennessee Department of Health.
For the latest information about COVID-19, please visit the Health Department’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage, or call the information hotline at (423) 209-8383.