GENEVA, Switzerland (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In just three-months, COVID-19 has spread to over 121,000 people across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and North America. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the virus a ‘global pandemic’ Wednesday.
“We’re deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva. “We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.”
The last time the WHO declared a pandemic was during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.
In response, President Trump ordered a 30-day travel ban to Europe.
At Home
The Centers for Disease control has confirmed 1,215 cases resulting in 36 deaths linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. 
There have been 18 reported cases in Tennessee. Kentucky has reported eight confirmed cases.
The CDC continues to urge people to wash their hands and practice good hygiene as the best way to combat the spread of any illness, including COVID-19.
Mayor Pitts released a statement, explaining the City’s plan.
How the Community is Preparing
Many people locally are preparing for a major shortage of essential supplies in the midst of coronavirus concerns. Shopping centers and grocery stories such as Sams Club and Kroger in Clarksville have been wiped out of supplies such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
One resident admitted to going as far as purchasing water purification tablets and an emergency food supply. Others have stocked up on vitamins, soap, and cleaning supplies such as Lysol.
Yet officials urge the community to remain calm, but vigilant.
Only the Tennessee Department of Health will test samples for COVID-19. Benita Martin, spokeswoman for Premier Medical Group, said they are “not testing for or treating potential cases of COVID-19 at this time. We are able to collect samples from patients, but only if deemed medically necessary by physician or provider. Samples are currently being sent to the Tennessee Department of Health.”
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System has adjusted their travel policies and sent home information reminding all families about their sickness policy. On March 12, the school system made the decision to release Moore Magnet Elementary early after a suspected case of coronavirus was reported. The case was confirmed negative later in the day.
Recently, the school system was forced to cancel a robotics team trip to Williamson County, after reported cases of coronavirus in the county.
There have not been any reported cases of coronavirus in Montgomery County at this time.