As it has almost every day for a year, information on COVID-19 is constantly changing.

Here’s the latest.

The health department reported on Sunday 100 new COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County, but fewer people are getting tested, which may mean we aren’t getting the full picture of the virus’ activity.

There’s also a new coronavirus variant in town and a shortage of vaccines for K-12 teachers. Even so, some local educators started getting inoculated Monday.

Also, Monday afternoon, officials announced the health department got 1,150 new first dose and 4,914 new second dose Pfizer vaccines.

Who’s currently eligible for a vaccine?

Starting Mon., Feb. 22, Hamilton County residents ages 65+ and people in phase 1B are eligible for vaccines.

1B includes:

Childcare, pre-school, and K-12 teachers
School staff
School bus drivers
Other first responders (including dispatch, administrative personnel + others not included in Phase 1a1)

Here is information about the other phases + eligibility. .

What’s happening with teachers?

Teachers can sign up for vaccines through the health department.

The school system’s plan to vaccinate teachers through a private provider is on hold as the county waits for more doses. Last week’s winter weather delayed some shipments. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

By the numbers

Hamilton County

New cases Monday: 82

Total number of cases: 40,118

Total number of deaths: 449

Tennessee

New cases Monday: 952

Total number of cases: 766,089

Total number of deaths: 11,153

Nation

27.8 million COVID-19 cases in the country

497,415 COVID-19 deaths nationwide.

Vaccines given

In Hamilton County: 59,172
Tennessee: 1,111,118
Statewide, 10.6% of people have gotten at least one dose.
Tennessee (and eight other states) are behind the rest of the country, where 12-16% of people have been vaccinated.
Nationwide, 63 million doses have been given. That’s 13.1% of the U.S. population.

What else do I need to know?

The Hamilton County Health Department has resources to guide you through getting tested or vaccinated.

For state info, use this site + the CDC is your source for nationwide details.

Reminder: Hamilton County is under a mask mandate through March 31.

Bonus: The Center for Mindful Living is having its next class in a COVID-19 series on Feb. 27.

Quick links:

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