As the conversation about coronavirus strain COVID-19 continues, local leaders are preparing for prevention + communicating important details to the public. But there’s a lot happening quickly, so we’re giving you all the resources in one place. 👇

Local precautions

○ Hamilton County schools and UTC are working with the local health department and other agencies to monitor and provide the latest health recommendations.

○ UTC officials are updating information online here. The university canceled all international travel.

○ According to a news release from the Hamilton County schools, nurses are working to keep schools safe by disinfecting daily and sending students with flu-like symptoms home.

○ Hamilton County school officials have also fogged every school with an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer and will continue to do so to combat both COVID-19 + the flu, also according to the news release.

○ According to the Hamilton County schools news release: “We ask parents; please keep your child at home if any of these symptoms are present. Schools will support students in the area of leniency regarding absenteeism from classes and extracurricular activities. We also encourage employees to stay at home if flu-like symptoms are present. Students and employees should be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 24-hours before returning to school.” Read the entire news release here.

○ Students in neighboring counties, including Catoosa, Dade + Walker, can find updated information online here, according to a news release from the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District.

○ The Hamilton County Health Department and the City of Chattanooga each created websites to update citizens on the issue. Check the health department’s here and this link for the city’s.

○ The City of Chattanooga also directed people to the AARP’s website for more information.

○ Local hospitals CHI Memorial + Erlanger have made statements — find them here. Parkridge Hospital also sent out a news release directing members of the public to the CDC’s website for accurate information.

Wash your hands + sing

○ The CDC recommends following normal seasonal flu guidelines to best protect yourself from the virus. Those steps include: washing your hands, covering your coughs, staying home when sick + immediately throwing away used tissues and similar items. It is not recommended for healthy people to wear a mask.

○ The renewed focus on handwashing has prompted some amusing reminders on how long the task should take to be effective. The CDC recommends scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If you’re bored or need help knowing how long 20 seconds is, consider singing the chorus to your favorite song. We’re going to go with Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts.”