5 things to know about COVID-19 this week
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 Aug. 28:
1 How long to quarantine: What the state’s quarantining rules mean after possible COVID-19 exposure. Why it matters: The terms “isolation” and “quarantine” are distinct but have commonly been used interchangeably this year. Last week, the Tennessee Department of Health issued a clarification on its guidance of how long to quarantine that left many confused. Twenty-four days seemed much longer than previously advised.
2 Hamilton County Schools returns to five-day learning week: The school system moves into a new phase of reopening.
Why it matters: Phase 3 of the schools reopening plan — calling for students to come to school five days a week — will start Monday and last until at least Sept. 11. However, the local teachers union is fighting the plan and believes the staggered schedule that the school year opened with is the best model moving forward.
3 How COVID-19 treatment is changing: Chattanooga area physicians have learned a lot about COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Why it matters: The virus prompted drastic public health measures and fueled a worldwide scramble, which is ongoing, to find effective treatments. In recent months, doctors are changing how they use ventilators, the machines central to the early response to the virus. Doctors are finding that even simple interventions like keeping a patient moving can have an important impact.
4 Mask mandates unlikely in Northwest Georgia: The state’s governor opened the door for local ordinances but Whitfield County’s leaders seem unlikely to bite.
Why it matters: On Aug. 15, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order giving counties the power to enact their own mask mandates. Leaders in Whitfield County, an area hard hit by the virus, appeared to balk at the idea this week.
5 Conservative groups sue Gov. Bill Lee over his handling of COVID-19 in Tennessee: The group said Lee’s actions were “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Why it matters: Lee did not create a statewide mask order like neighboring Alabama but instead gave county mayors the power to create their own mandates. This action drew sharp criticism from liberals in the state. Now the governor is facing increasing attacks from conservative groups who say Lee’s delegation of power went too far.
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.