UTC community member tests positive for coronavirus

UTC community member tests positive for coronavirus

Has the evening off.

Thanks for joining us for news 12 now at 11.

Hamilton county now has two more covid-19 cases bringing the total to three.

That comes as many people are concerned that not enough people are getting tested.

That's tonight's top local story.

Hamilton county mayor jim coppinger: "unfortunately today we did receive confirmation of second and third cases" county and health department officials say they were notified this morning of two new positive coronavirus cases.

They believe one of the cases could've been from travel.

That person is in isolation.

And the other from coming in contact with the county's first case.

Health officials say that person has recovered, but is still in isolation.

Hamilton county's first case, father brad whitaker tested positive last week.

Chattanooga-hamilton county health department administrator becky barnes: "in response to this situation the health department continues to add staff to work in epidemiology to assist in working the new cases and identifying, notifying potential contacts and then monitoring those already in quarantine and isolation."

In an email, utc officials say wednesday night they found out a utc campus community member tested positive for covid-19.

They say that person has been off campus for a week and has been in quarantine.

Students were on spring break last week and aren't returning this week.

While the number of cases expands in hamilton county, health department officials are working with hospitals and local providers to make testing more available and looking at plans for a possible drive through testing site.

Chattanooga-hamilton county health department administrator becky barnes: "the efforts to make that come about are hampered with a lack of personal protective equipment and the specimen collection supply."

In the meantime, officials urge residents to follow the president's coronavirus prevention guidance.

The county is also recommending bars and restaurants consider cutting back or closing.

There is a total of 98 positive coronavirus cases in tennessee.

In georiga, the number of confirmed cases is now at 197.

That's after hamilton health care system announced a positive test in dalton last night.

The hospital has set up two large tents