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 Jan 29:
1. Some Hamilton County students will return to classrooms Monday: District re-evaluates learning phases
Why it matters: Last week, the county’s board of education delegated the decision over returning to school to the superintendent and his task force. Superintendent Bryan Johnson said Tuesday children in kindergarten through fifth grade would return to campus four days a week starting Feb. 1. Older grades will continue in a hybrid model but could return to the classroom full time the week of Feb. 8 if cases continue to drop.
Read more about what Hamilton County Schools families can expect in the weeks ahead.
2. Hamilton County COVID-19 vaccine campaign rolls along after bumpy start: Confusion over second doses not a reason for concern
Why it matters: Supply of the available vaccines remains limited in Hamilton County but the local health department has administered 26,000 doses, including 7,703 second dose shots as of Wednesday. There was confusion last week about continued availability of second dose appointments, which the health department clarified by saying extra slots were created to provide scheduling flexibility for area residents.
Read more about how the vaccine rollout is going in Hamilton County and what to keep in mind while looking for vaccine appointments.
3. U.K. COVID-19 variant confirmed in Tennessee: But where the more contagious virus has been spotted won’t be released
Why it matters: Spokespeople for the Tennessee Department of Health will not say whether the new, more contagious U.K. variant of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Hamilton County. When the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state almost a year ago, this type of data was made available. Requests for such information about the U.K. variant, confirmed to be in the state last week, are going unanswered.
Read more about the variant and what the silence from the state could mean.
4. Staff shortages make a bad situation worse for some Chattanooga restaurants: ‘Right now it’s a killer,’ one owner said.
Why it matters: Mojo Burrito owner Eve Williams said finding enough people to work is nearly as daunting a challenge as the dramatic dropoff in business. Williams had to close one of her restaurants because there were not enough people to keep it operating, she said.
Read more about how the virus is continuing to impact area restaurants.
5. Northeast Georgia COVID vaccine provider punished for giving doses to teachers in one county: One provider will not be able to help the community for six months.
Why it matters: Georgia will suspend shipments of coronavirus vaccine to The Medical Center of Elberton until the summer after the organization gave vaccine doses to teachers. The state has not allowed teachers to be included in eligible categories yet. Area educators, though, praised the decision.
Read more about the controversy in Northeast Georgia over who should get the 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.