Two coronavirus cases confirmed in Dyer County

The number of coronavirus cases continues to grow nationwide, with Dyer County reporting its first two confirmed cases on Thursday morning.

While Tennessee officials have not released the ages of the individuals, the State Gazette confirmed one individual is currently self-quarantined at home, while a second individual has already been quarantined and released after it was determined the individual was no longer contagious.

On Thursday morning, Dyer County Mayor Chris Young released the following statement regarding the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Dyer County:

“This morning we were notified by the Tennessee Department of Health that a resident of Dyer County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The patient, a juvenile, has been placed in quarantine and is recovering from a mild case of illness.

This is not unexpected. Your local officials have been preparing for and expected this for weeks. We are coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Health and the healthcare community to make sure all Dyer County residents are protected.

The worst thing we can do during trying times like this is to panic. It is important to remember that the vast majority of patients that contract this virus have a mild case of illness and recover 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 healthcare community is not overwhelmed with worried citizens.

We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and will adapt our response as appropriate as possible. Over the next several weeks we might suffer some inconveniences. You might see things like, you have to use the drive-thru at a bank or a restaurant. There may be some temporary closures of businesses in the community but this will end and we will be a stronger community.

Mayor Young also had some advice for citizens that may help all involved.

“As I mentioned, do not go to the doctor or the Emergency Department 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, “ explained Mayor Young. “People over the age of 65 and those with prior illnesses are at the 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 Dyer County. That has been and continues to be our primary concern. We will get through this together. Of this I am certain.

UPDATE – Prior to the release of this statement, Mayor Young was notified by the TDH of second confirmed case in Dyer County.

“I have been notified that we have a confirmed second case of the virus,” said Mayor Young. “The patient has recovered and is no longer contagious, and that’s all the information we have at this time.”

Individuals with specific questions may call the TDH information line at 877-857-2945 or 731-421-6782.

As more details develop and more information is available, updates will be provided at www.stategazette.com