CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)-  The coronavirus (COVID-19) is said to inevitably make it’s way to Clarksville-Montgomery County with 18 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tennessee as of Thursday morning.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, 88 people in Tennessee have been tested and 79 have tested negative for COVID-19.

Local and regional hospitals are preparing for possible patients and avoiding the rapid spread of the illness.

“Our hospital continually works to be prepared for all types of infectious diseases such as measles, flu or new viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Ryan Windham, spokesman for Tennova Health Care. ” We are taking proactive steps to prepare for the protection of patients, our caregivers and the community, and monitoring ongoing COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”

Windham said Tennova is using the screening guidelines for symptoms and risk factors and have a response plan to protect patients and their staff should it be needed.

“If a physician determines a patient meets the risk criteria, they will coordinate testing and the patient’s ultimate disposition, coordinating with the department of health, as necessary,” Windham said in a statement. “Even if they meet the risk criteria, and have tested positive for COVID-19, many patients will have mild symptoms without a need of hospital care and can remain at home in quarantine. We understand the sensitivity at this time and want to reassure the community that we remain alert and ready to provide such care if necessary.”

Tennova has enforced a modified visiting policy to protect patients and caregivers.

These include, but not limited to: 1) not permitting children under age 18 to visit; 2) posting signage informing people with fever or respiratory symptoms that they may not visit patients; 3) limiting the number of visitors per patient to two immediate family members, partner or significant others. Other healthcare facilities in the area are implementing similar practices and we are asking for the community’s understanding and compliance.

For questions pertaining to symptoms and testing, please contact the Tennessee Department of Health Public Information Line at 877-857-2945.