Welcome to a new school year at CDESA!!

We are so excited to start this new year with both old and new faces.  Even though things will look differently due to COVID-19, we are trying super hard to make things as normal as possible.  

Please make sure you are checking here and our Facebook page frequently for updates.  And as always, feel free to call the office at 423-825-7337 for any questions you may have. 


PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REGARDING 
HCDE'S NOTICE OF PRIVACY -COVID-19 RESPONSE

NOTICE OF PRIVACY

Notice of PRIVACY to all students, parents, and staff associated with the Hamilton County School system:

To promote and protect the health and safety of our students, educators, and the general public during this pandemic, Hamilton County Schools (HCS) and the Hamilton County Health Department (HCHD) will be sharing data and information specifically related to positive COVID-19 cases.

These communications are permitted by federal laws for the purpose of preventing or controlling the spread of disease and safeguarding the health and safety of the community.

The HCHD and HCS will make every effort to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved. Only information deemed necessary to minimize and prevent COVID disease spread will be shared. As such, there will be a limited number of designated and trained HCS contacts who will communicate directly with the HCHD. All COVID-19 data/information from the school system will be shared through these persons.

For any questions or concerns about this policy or process, please contact:
Hamilton County Schools- studentcovid@hcde.org
Hamilton County Health Department- (423) 209-8200 or hdteamk-12epi@hamiltontn.gov 


UPDATE FROM THE CDC REGARDING THE DEFINTION OF A CLOSE CONTACT: 

• UPDATE: Definition of “Close Contact” - The CDC has updated their definition for who is considered a “close contact,” effective today - 10/22/2020:
* Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
* According to the CDC, a close contact determination will not differentiate between contact that occurs inside or outside, or with the use of a face covering. However, social distancing and wearing a mask continue to be our two best mitigating strategies


You can also click HERE to keep up to date with the most recent information that HCDE releases.