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The Hamilton County Health Department is informing residents of recent trends in the local COVID pandemic.
· The 21-30 year olds represent 25% of new daily cases.
· NOTNew cases among 11-20 year olds are on the rise from last week
· The highest number of cases per day remains in zip codes 37343 (Hixson / Middle Valley), 37363 (Ooltewah / Collegedale) and 37421 (East Brainerd), while cases in 37415 (Red Bank) and 37379 (Soddy -Daisy / Lakesite)) Postal codes are trending upwards.
Epidemiological surveys by the Department of Health have revealed factors that contribute to the increased transmission of COVID in certain settings:
Domestic transmission
· The disease is easily spread within a household when one member is infected. Efforts should be made to isolate sick people and ensure that they and other members of the household wear masks, even inside the house. Ensure constant air exchange, sanitize surfaces and eliminate overlap in bathroom and food preparation areas, if possible.
Transmission in the workplace
· Workplaces with high transmission rates do not practice a safe distance (6 feet or more) or do not properly wear masks around co-workers. Employers are urged to review all aspects of their operations to reduce transmission and to educate employees on how to properly wear masks (fully covering nose and mouth). Businesses are strongly encouraged to require masks for everyone on their premises.
Large gatherings
· Events such as weddings and parties are always sources of transmission. Every effort should be made to plan these events for a very small number of guests or to postpone them to a later date. For example, an officiant might perform the wedding, while the larger ceremony and reception might take place in the future.
Social establishments
· Bars where people are crowded and not wearing masks are responsible for transmitting the virus. According to the Tennessee Pledge, an establishment’s “seating capacity” should be determined by the ability of patrons to be 6 feet apart, as well as other considerations found. here.
Sports / extracurricular activities
· Although transmission occurs between spectators, most of these cases occur among the athletes themselves. Coaches and Managers should ensure athletes are at least 6 feet apart during all phases of training, such as waiting to perform drills and during team discussions. Athletes should not be gathered tightly on the sidelines during matches. More detailed sports tips can be found in the Tennessee Pledge and Return to the game of TSSAA.
In general, the behaviors contributing to the recent high rate of infection in all settings are:
- Lack of proper and appropriate mask wearing
- Lack of social distancing (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes)
- Large and small gatherings without precautions
- Family spread
- Continue to leave home while sick or waiting for test results
- Pandemic fatigue
- Cooler weather and shorter days, with more time spent indoors
“The only way to stop this upward trend is for everyone to take the recommended action,” said Becky Barnes, administrator of the Department of Health. . By thinking about how we can protect others, we are actually protecting ourselves. “
The best way to protect yourself and others is:
• If you have symptoms, no matter how severe, do not leave the house or attend any gatherings. Only leave the house to seek medical attention or to be tested for COVID-19.
• Wear a face mask in public and around people who do not live in your household. A face mask should cover both the nose and the mouth.
• Practice social distancing – put six feet away between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
• Wash your hands often.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
COVID-19 test
· The number of Department of Health COVID-19 tests has increased. The health department tests more than 800 people per day at the Alstom plant from Monday to Friday and more than 550 people on Saturday and Sunday.
· The Department of Health’s free drive-through COVID test is available 7 days a week at Alstom’s plant site from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free transportation is available by calling (423) 209-8383. Everyone in the car should wear a mask, whether they are in the same household or not, and whether or not they are tested.
· Information on other community testing sites around Hamilton County can be found on the website or by calling the hotline at (423) 209-8383.
Vaccine against influenza
· Flu vaccination clinics remain in demand. Last Saturday, 140 adults were vaccinated at Mt. Church of Canaan. It was a joint partnership between the Department of Health and the Benwood and Maclellan foundations.
· Free flu vaccination clinics will be held at the Alstom plant site on November 9 and 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Hamilton County residents 18 and older.
· A free in-car influenza vaccine clinic will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 3777 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37411 this Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Hamilton County residents aged 18 and over more.
· Pediatric influenza vaccines are only available by appointment at 3rd Clinics Street (423-209-8050) and Sequoyah (423-209-5490).
· All vehicle occupants and accompanying parents / guardians must wear a mask when receiving the flu shot.
Additional information can be found through these Department of Health resources:
· Website: http://health.hamiltontn.org/
· Facebook page in English: https://www.facebook.com/
· Spanish Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
· YouTube in English: https://www.youtube.com/
· Spanish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
· Twitter: https://twitter.com/
· Subscribe to the mailing list: https: //landing.mailerlite.
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