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.

Dyer County has reported two positive cases of the coronavirus, according to Dyer County Mayor Chris Young.

These are the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in West Tennessee outside of Shelby County.

One confirmed case is a juvenile who is being isolated at home. The Tennessee Department of Health has begun to look into the contact this juvenile may have had with others.

Young said Thursday he was not aware if the juvenile had been to any local school prior to becoming sick.

The second positive case was from an adult who was traveling outside of the county when they became ill. This person was isolated, has since fully recovered and is no longer contagious, according to Young.

Young said the county has closed its buildings to the public and is asking anyone to call in with any assistance they may need.

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that originated in China in December 2019. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be severe, and some cases have caused death.

The virus can be spread from person to person. It is diagnosed with a laboratory test. There is no approved coronavirus vaccine yet, though the first tests of an experimental vaccine began Monday. Prevention involves frequent hand-washing, staying home when sick and social distancing.

President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency and encouraged people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. Gov. Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency related to the coronavirus.

There are around 242,191 cases of COVID-19 worldwide and an estimated 9,843 have died from the disease worldwide, according the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

There are now more cases outside China and the virus has spread to 155 counties. In the United States, there are 10,755 cases, including 98 cases in Tennessee.

Shelby County had 10 cases as of Thursday morning, up from four on Wednesday. Health Department officials said six cases were reported to the department Wednesday night.

Experts believe case numbers have been low due to lack of testing, and numbers should be expected to increase — potentially drastically — as tests become more available.

White House guidelines for the coronavirus

If someone in your house has testified positive, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work or school.

If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.

Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.

Avoid eating or drinking in restaurants bars and food courts. Use drive-through, pickup and delivery options.

Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless you are there to provide critical assistance.

If you work in a critical infrastructure industry defined by the Department of Homeland Security like healthcare services, pharmaceuticals and the food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employer should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.

Practice good hygiene such as washing your hands, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces. Avoid touching your face.

Reach Adam Friedman by email at afriedman@jacksonsun.com, by phone at 731-431-8517 or follow him on Twitter @friedmanadam5.