Though life has returned to normal in many ways, the pandemic hasn’t disappeared and the potential for a resurgence exists.
Big Ears Returns
After a COVID-induced hiatus, founder Ashley Capps is bringing the international music and arts festival back to downtown Knoxville.
The Mask Effect, Part II
Since a school mask mandate was put in place, Knox County has dropped from the highest rate of school-age COVID among Tennessee’s metro counties to the lowest.
Approaching the Peak
New COVID-19 cases slowed last week, but hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise.
Rapid and Relentless
The fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant threatens to overwhelm area hospitals and has yet to show signs of slowing down.
‘We Haven’t Hit the Peak Yet’
The current surge in COVID-19 cases has grown to the largest of the pandemic so far and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Year Ahead: Knox County
Elections will dominate the county political calendar this year, along with an updated General Plan and decisions on Health Department leadership.
2021 Revue: Knox County
Pandemic restrictions faced rising resistance, while federal relief funds brought a bounty, and the Sheriff’s Office faced lawsuits and politics.
Health Department Leadership in Transition
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.
Resilience and Risks
A University of Tennessee report shows strong economic recovery in Tennessee — but uncertainties ahead about the pandemic and the workforce.