Mayors slam Georgia governor's move to limit virus measures
The mayors of some of Georgia’s largest cities are slamming Gov. Brian Kemp’s new order that aims to limit local efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
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Bradley County Schools release weekly Covid Case list
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - Bradley County schools have released their first weekly Covid report for the new school year. They post weekly numbers on Friday at 5PM. The most positive cases they have so far are 30 at Lake Forest…
Some governors use federal virus aid to expand school choice
By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press When Congress sent states billions of dollars early in the coronavirus pandemic to help make schools safe, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee saw an opportunity. He used part of the windfall to further his goal of…
Hamilton County Health Department increasing COVID-19 testing
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-As COVID cases continue to surge in Hamilton County there is an increased demand for COVID testing. Becky Barnes with the Hamilton County Health Department says just 44 percent of Hamilton County is vaccinated. Active…
Auburn Coach Bryan Harsin Tests Positive for Covid
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin says he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home.Harsin said in a statement that he tested positive on Thursday but wasn’t experiencing symptoms.The first-year Tigers coach said he…
Local Mom hospitalized with Covid delivers baby while on ventilator
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - Emily Brown was in her third trimester when she became infected with covid-19, which led to her hospitalization and breathing with the use of a ventilator. Riceville mom says she didn’t take covid-19 seriously…
Do I need a booster if I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
With boosters being planned in the U.S. as early as the fall for those who got the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, recipients of the single-dose J&J jab might be wondering just how well their protection is holding up.
US keeps ban on nonessential border crossings to slow COVID
The U.S. government on Friday extended a ban on nonessential travel along the borders with Canada and Mexico to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Hamilton County Schools report Covid cases
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - As they did last year, the Hamilton County School System is posting their Covid case data. They report 209 active cases so far this year, which is less than 1% of the entire student population. 1,628 are…
ICU beds full at most metropolitan Tennessee hospitals
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - The Tennessee Hospital Association reports that most intensive care unites are full in the state's four largest cities. Statewide, they say adult ICU beds are now 90% occupied. In the Chattanooga District, the number is higher at…
Gov. Lee responds to Biden letter on his mask executive order
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Biden administration seems willing to make a federal case out of Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order for Tennessee. The Governor is allowing parents to opt out of any mask mandate imposed by a local school…
Gulf Coast's beloved 'Redneck Riviera' now a virus hotspot
By JAY REEVES Associated Press GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) — Tourists and servers alike dance atop tables and in the aisles at one restaurant on the “Redneck Riviera,” a beloved stretch of towns along the northern Gulf Coast where beaches,…
Heritage High moves to virtual learning on Friday
RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) - Heritage High is the latest school to react to growing Covid cases. The Catoosa County superintendent announced the school is transitioning to virtual learning on just Friday. They are expected to return to class on Monday.…
Georgia Governor bans cities from imposing Covid restrictions on businesses
ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia’s Republican governor has issued an executive order banning cities from requiring businesses to enforce local pandemic restrictions. But what impact, if any, the measure signed Thursday would have on new mask requirements in Atlanta, Savannah and…
Dalton Public Schools to require masks fro PreK up to 7th grade
DALTON, Ga (WDEF) - Dalton Public Schools announced it will update its COVID-19 policies in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. During a special meeting on Wednesday morning, the board of education voted 5-0 to approve…
Heritage Middle in Catoosa County moves to virtual learning
MESSAGE FROM CATOOSA SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT DENIA REESE: I am monitoring the spread of COVID in every school and in the district all day every day. This week, we have seen a high number of positive cases at Heritage Middle School,…
Mayor Kelly announces he tests positive for Covid-19
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says he is self-isolating at home following a positive Covid test. A statement from the mayor's office say he is exhibiting only mild symptoms, similar to an allergy. He tested positive today, while…
Dolly Parton humble about her contribution to Moderna Vaccine
(WDEF) - Dolly Parton talked about her new book deal, the 9 to 5 Musical and diversity in the country music business in an interview on British radio. But she was also very humble about her contribution to a Covid…
Memphis imposes mask mandate for restaurants and businesses
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The health department in Tennessee’s most populous county has reinstituted a face mask requirement for indoor public places such as restaurants and other businesses. The move comes Wednesday as a surge in COVID-19 cases has strained…
Erlanger restricts visitors for most patients
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Due to an increase in COVID cases in the Tennessee Valley, Erlanger has updated its visitor policy. The hospital says, starting today, there will be a "no visitor" policy for most inpatients. Minors younger than 18 at the…
Connect With Ham. Co. Health Dept.:
- COVID-19 hotline: (423) 209-8383
- English Facebook page
- Spanish Facebook page
- Press Briefings
- COVID-19 Testing Calendar
CONÉCTESE CON EL DEPARTAMENTO DE SALUDDELCONDADO DE HAMILTON:
- Si tienepreguntassobre COVID-19 llame a la líneadirectaal 423-209-8383
- Facebook enespañol
- Sitios de pruebas
- Canal You Tube enespañol
North Georgia Health District:
Steps to Prevent Illness for Coronavirus COVID-19
Follow these steps to help prevent yourself and others from coronavirus COVID-19.