FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

AUGUST 25, 2020

Candice Grose

Public Information Officer

Office: 901.222.2037

Mobile: 901.481.3422

SHELBY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AMENDS HEALTH DIRECTIVE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

Shelby County, TN –The Shelby County Health Department has issued a new health directive which includes amendments to provide a uniform reporting requirement in the event of COVID cases in schools. Schools that learn of COVID cases will be required to notify parents, families, staff, and other students at risk. This requirement applies to all schools. Furthermore, in an effort to expand the information about any potential spread in a school district, the Shelby County Health Department will begin to regularly distribute the number of cases of children who contract by school district lines.

Shelby County Health Director Dr. Haushalter: “The Shelby County Health Department will continue to expand the information that is reported out to the public, and in particular, its communications with communities and families at risk. These amendments ensure that critical information is shared with at-risk individuals so that they can take appropriate action to protect themselves, their families, and their loved ones. Also, these changes to the Health Directive will put us on the path to creating a more uniform approach at the various schools around Shelby County.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “The latest amendments to the Health Directive mean that when there is any confirmed case at a school, the Shelby County Health Department will work with that school to ensure that those at risk are notified and advised about reducing risk. We must ensure that those at risk—parents, families, students, and staff at schools—get the information they need to protect themselves, and receive that information as rapidly as possible.”

(End of Release)