CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)-  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there are 43 cases of coronavirus, 17 have been hospitalized and two deaths. A total of 10 states have reported the virus. Tennessee’s first reported case has been confirmed in Williamson County.

The Clarksville Montgomery County School System is prepared in case coronavirus does come to Clarksville.

“CMCSS has proactive measures in place to reduce the spread of illness in our schools such as our two-step cleaning process, which allows custodians to focus their attention on high-touch surfaces to kill germs,” said Elise Shelton, Chief Communications Officer at the CMCSS.

District leadership is continuing to meet with local health officials to review best practices and receive updates which may impact this community. CMCSS is focused on keeping our more than 36,500 students and 5,000 employees safe, Shelton said.

When a certain illness affects a large number of students and attendance is effected, CMCSS leaders take it into consideration case-by-case.

“We don’t have a hard line determination since so many factors are considered,” Shelton said, when asked when are schools closed due to illness. ” We continuously monitor attendance, consult with local medical experts, and are prepared to make an informed decision at an appropriate time.”

Part of keeping everyone safe is following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggestions to prevent the spread of the flu, strep and COVID-19 or Coronavirus.

These include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and washing  your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

There is no treatment or vaccine developed for the coronavirus yet.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed. Staying home if you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects are recommended.