Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Student Safety

Hamilton County Schools has the health and safety of children as our top priority, and we work daily with the top health professionals in the field to make sure we are following recommended procedures regarding the coronavirus in our schools. The district works with the local Health Department, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the CDC to remain alert to the latest information to keep our children and staff healthy.

Who to Notify if a Student is Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

A student who may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed, can find out what to do here.

Important Information Concerning Hamilton County COVID-19 Testing

Health Department Testing Site at the Alstom Plant

1125 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga TN

Free COVID-19 testing is available to the public, without an appointment, through the Hamilton County Health Department at the Alstom Plant.  Open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Free food boxes will be available for pick-up after testing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Call the COVID-19 Hotline at (423)-209-8383 for questions or to request free transportation.

Please visit the Hamilton County Health Department's website  to view their testing calendar.

District Leadership 

The district’s Leadership Team meets each day to monitor the latest coronavirus updates and plan for future scenarios and responses from the school district. This site will provide you with an update on precautionary steps we are taking in Hamilton County Schools in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19.)

Health Experts Suggestions

Health officials recommend everyday preventative actions to help halt the spread of respiratory diseases. The school district is reinforcing these measures at school, and we know you are helping us with this at home.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This means maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet.
  • Do not gather in groups of 10 or more.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you or your child are sick. A fever must be absent for 24-hours with no fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow and not your hands to cover the sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Do your part to keep everyone SAFE!

Together, we can protect the health and safety of HCS students and staff, and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please help use keep our schools SAFE by taking the Hamilton County Schools SAFE Pledge - Students or Staff and committing to the following healthy behaviors:

Do your part to keep everyone SAFE!

The district will continue to monitor the situation and adhere to the direction of our professional health partners.   

For regional updates on COVID-19:

Up-To-Date Information: The most up-to-date information and guidance can be found via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE. The Coronavirus Task Force holds frequent national briefings which can be viewed live: HERE. You are also encouraged to follow HHS, CDC, and other agency social media channels for up-to-date information.