Nashville health department reports Tennessee's first coronavirus death

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a pandemic. Reported illnesses range from very mild to severe, including death. Agencies anticipate widespread transmission will occur in the U.S. in coming months and recommend social distancing among other measures to slow the spread. Call your doctor and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus or contact the Tennessee Department of Health coronavirus information line at 877-857-2945 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily.

Metro Public Health Department officials notified the public Friday of the first reported COVID-19 death of a Davidson County resident, which marks the first one in the state.

Officials said the individual was a 73-year old man with underlying health conditions who died due to complications from the coronavirus.

"This is a tragic loss of life, and we extend our heartfelt condolences with the family," Mayor John Cooper said. "Even though the majority of people diagnosed with COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms, we know that the virus can be life-threatening, and we need everyone to take steps to protect themselves and each other."

On March 5, Gov. Bill Lee announced that a Williamson County man had tested positive for the virus, making it the first case in Tennessee. More than 100 other cases were reported in the state in the ensuing weeks, with the majority centered in the Nashville Metro area.

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Tennessee continued to climb on Friday as testing increased in the state and around the country.

There were at least 228 people in Tennessee believed to be infected with coronavirus as of Friday, up from 154 on Thursday.