As it has almost every day for a year, information on COVID-19 is constantly changing.
Here’s the latest.
The health department reported on Sunday 100 new COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County, but fewer people are getting tested, which may mean we aren’t getting the full picture of the virus’ activity.
There’s also a new coronavirus variant in town and a shortage of vaccines for K-12 teachers. Even so, some local educators started getting inoculated Monday.
Also, Monday afternoon, officials announced the health department got 1,150 new first dose and 4,914 new second dose Pfizer vaccines.
Who’s currently eligible for a vaccine?
Starting Mon., Feb. 22, Hamilton County residents ages 65+ and people in phase 1B are eligible for vaccines.
1B includes:
- Childcare, pre-school, and K-12 teachers
- School staff
- School bus drivers
- Other first responders (including dispatch, administrative personnel + others not included in Phase 1a1)
Here is information about the other phases + eligibility. .
What’s happening with teachers?
Teachers can sign up for vaccines through the health department.
The school system’s plan to vaccinate teachers through a private provider is on hold as the county waits for more doses. Last week’s winter weather delayed some shipments. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
By the numbers
Hamilton County
New cases Monday: 82
Total number of cases: 40,118
Total number of deaths: 449
Tennessee
New cases Monday: 952
Total number of cases: 766,089
Total number of deaths: 11,153
Nation
27.8 million COVID-19 cases in the country
497,415 COVID-19 deaths nationwide.
Vaccines given
- In Hamilton County: 59,172
- Tennessee: 1,111,118
- Statewide, 10.6% of people have gotten at least one dose.
- Tennessee (and eight other states) are behind the rest of the country, where 12-16% of people have been vaccinated.
- Nationwide, 63 million doses have been given. That’s 13.1% of the U.S. population.
What else do I need to know?
The Hamilton County Health Department has resources to guide you through getting tested or vaccinated.
For state info, use this site + the CDC is your source for nationwide details.
Reminder: Hamilton County is under a mask mandate through March 31.
Bonus: The Center for Mindful Living is having its next class in a COVID-19 series on Feb. 27.
Quick links:
- Case numbers
- Hamilton County testing sites
- Vaccine appointments + phase eligibility
- FAQs
- Press releases
- CDC information on mask-wearing
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