{Editor’s Note: This is a developing story that will be updated as more facts become available.}

STATE NEWS | Cookeville — Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) officials released Friday that the Tennessee Tech student currently being tested for Coronavirus in Cookeville was not confirmed.

“His recent travel history met the criteria for testing for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV),” a statement from Tennessee Tech read. “Health providers quickly recognized that the patient met the criteria for Coronavirus testing, but nothing has been confirmed.”

In addition to the one case in Tennessee, one person in Texas and 10 people in California were been held in isolation and tested.

So what does this mean for folks in Lynchburg?

Not much yet though based on the number of visitors we receive from other states and countries, Lynchburg folks should be on higher alert than most Tennessee small towns.

Coronavirus refers to a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from a simple common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. It’s transmitted through the air and via human contact. It can also be transmitted from animals to people. There is no available vaccine.

The Tech student exhibited very mild symptoms. They’d also had a recent travel history that met the criteria to test for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, according to university officials.

The TDH is not yet issuing any related health advisories and no specific actions are required by Tennesseans at this time. Anyone with health concerns should contact their local health provider. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}