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Hamilton County Schools to remain closed through April 13 amid coronavirus concerns

Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / "Hamilton County Schools" is seen on a new school bus at the Hamilton County Department of Education on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. First Student Inc. is providing the county with 185 new state-of-the-art buses which include GPS tracking systems, digital cameras, air conditioning and other features. Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / "Hamilton County Schools" is seen on a new school bus at the Hamilton County Department of Education on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. First Student Inc. is providing the county with 185 new state-of-the-art buses which include GPS tracking systems, digital cameras, air conditioning and other features.

By Meghan Mangrum March 16, 2020 2 min read

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Last week, the school district announced it would be closed until March 30 starting on Monday, March 16 in the wake of increased concerns about the COVID-19 virus, but some initially speculated schools might be closed even longer.

Hamilton County’s announcement came after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee ordered every school district across the state to close by Friday, March 20, in response to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“With this announcement and the continued uncertainty of the progression of COVID-19, we are not recommending any shifts to our calendar,” read a statement from district officials. “Students will remain out until Monday, April 13.”

Lee recommended schools stay closed until at least March 31 and said the state would issue further guidance later.