Every week, the Times Free Press will publish five essential things to know about the coronavirus pandemic in the Chattanooga region. For more updated case count numbers and other data related to Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, visit timesfreepress.com/virus.
Five things to know about COVID-19 in the Chattanooga region for the week ending Sept. 4:
1. What’s driving Hamilton County’s spike in COVID-19 cases among young people: It’s not school but social gatherings.
Why it matters: In mid-August schools reopened while coronavirus cases among 11-to-20-year-olds were steadily rising. By the end of the month, the age group had the largest increase in cases in the county. But local experts say the virus is not spreading during school hours. Instead, children are getting sick from parties, carpooling and other social gatherings.
Read more about how social gatherings are spreading the coronavirus among local children.
2. Countywide mask mandate extended: Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger announced Thursday the mask mandate will run through Oct. 8.
Why it matters: Coppinger and other local health experts praised the mandate for slowing the spread of the virus in the community. Masks stop the spread of respiratory droplets that contain the virus, which are released when someone speaks, coughs or sings. While the renewed mandate continues to carry a potential $50 fine and 30 days in jail, no one has been cited yet.
Read more about Coppinger’s announcement and what health experts are saying.
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3. Misinformation online is fueling doubts about COVID-19: The misleading reports say coronavirus deaths are being overcounted. That is not true.
Why it matters: Earlier in the week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data that said 6% of COVID-19 deaths were from the virus alone. People online, including the president, shared a false report from that data saying this meant only 6% of the deaths were from the virus when in reality the virus often kills individuals with underlying health issues by making those underlying issues worse.
Read more about how local health departments are addressing the misinformation.
4. August becomes deadliest month for COVID-19 in Hamilton County: But the data shows signs of slowing spread in the area.
Why it matters: Hospitalizations and death often follow weeks after surges of infections. The surge in cases in June and July led to July and August being the two deadliest months for Chattanooga. Last month, 27 people died from the virus. But indicators show the virus is not spreading as rapidly as months earlier.
Read more about what we can expect moving forward.
5. Gov. Lee says getting a coronavirus vaccine is a ‘personal choice’ to be made with a doctor: The governor’s comments come as the White House says a vaccine could be ready as early as Nov. 1.
Why it matters: On Thursday, the governor said the federal government “has reached out to states already to begin the planning process for distribution, for the time when a safe and effective vaccine is available.” The state administration is working on a distribution plan.
Read more about Lee’s thoughts on the coming COVID-19 vaccine.
What are your experiences with the coronavirus? Are you or someone you love affected by it? What questions do you have? We would like to hear from you, so please contact efite@timesfreepress.com or wmassey@timesfreepress.com.
Contact Wyatt Massey at wmassey@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249. Follow him on Twitter @news4mass.