As Omicron adds a new dimension to the pandemic, the county says it might not assemble a new public health team until the fall of 2022.
Health Department Gets Interim Leaders
Katharine Killen and Kevin Parton will temporarily step up when Dr. Martha Buchanan steps down.
Buchanan Resigns
After leading the local COVID-19 response, the director of the Knox County Health Department is stepping down.
All In on Vaccinations
COVID-19 cases are rising at a rapid clip, but mask mandates and business restrictions are not on the table.
Weekly Watch: April 19-25, 2021
Every Monday, we give you a rundown of the week’s public meetings and civic events.
Restrictions to Continue
Knox County’s health officer says she will extend public health orders when full pandemic response decisions fall to her.
Health Boards Draw More Fire
Another bill to disempower local health boards advances in the Legislature. This one would ban “vaccine passports.”
‘There Is No Us and Them’
Pledging to protect the community, Buchanan expresses dismay at the divisions over the pandemic response following the Board of Health’s demise.
Commission Dissolves Board of Health
Mask mandate, other regulations up in the air as public health authority shifts back to the county health director.
Commission Accelerates Plan to Dissolve Health Board
A late addition to the agenda means the final vote on removing the body’s authority will come next week.