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 March 5:

1 Hamilton County and Tennessee expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to residents with chronic conditions:

Largest group so far becomes eligible for doses on Monday.

Why it matters: More than 1.1 million residents in Tennessee with conditions that range from obesity and high blood pressure to diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can get the vaccine starting Monday. The move comes as the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine becomes available and the county expects larger shipments of two other available vaccines.

2

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine could be in Tennessee this week:

The singledose vaccine is expected to increase accessibility.

Why it matters: The third approved COVID-19 vaccine has less intense storage requirements and the single-dose regimen could make it more accessible for some people. Health experts have cautioned comparing the effectiveness of the J&J shot with other vaccines since the new vaccine was tested at a different time and in different places. Plus, trial data showed the new J&J vaccine was still 85% effective against severe disease and 100% against death.

3

Hamilton County mayor asks for patience with mask mandate:

Others governments drop requirements despite public health warnings.

Why it matters: This week, Texas, Mississippi and other states dropped their statewide mask mandates after new cases across the country fell in the past month. Health experts have warned the decisions may have come too soon, especially as vaccines are slowly becoming more accessible. On Thursday, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger would not say whether he would renew the mandate when it comes due at the end of the month but urged patience as the county provides more vaccine doses to area residents.

4

Why you should always wear a mask at the gym:

New CDC research shows the potential for spread in workout facilities.

Why it matters: As COVID-19 fatigue sets in further and the pandemic nears a year in Hamilton County, more people are returning to their old habits, which can include a gym membership. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out new guidance on how to exercise safely indoors, which includes wearing a mask at all times and spacing out.

5

Hamilton County Schools to end phase tracker use the week of March 15:

The school system will look at schools on a case-by-case basis.

Why it matters: Since the start of the school year, the Hamilton County school system has used a phase tracker measuring active cases and other metrics to determine whether local children would be in the classroom. The district will end the use of the tracker later this month, citing the accessibility of vaccines for teaching staff. However, some area teachers think it is too soon to give up tracking the virus and using it to determine learning protocols.

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.