The following information was published on the COVID-19 page in March 2020:

Updated at 7:02 p.m. on 3/31/20

  • There is now one “confirmed” case of COVID-19 in Walker County. There are 4,117 confirmed cases (21.5% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 125 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 137 cases in Bartow County including three deaths, 50 in Hamilton County, TN including three deaths, 50 in Floyd County including two deaths, 16 in Gordon County including one death, 10 in Whitfield County including one death, 4 in Catoosa, 3 in Chattooga and 1 in Dade County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 58% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 16,181 tests have been run to date in Georgia.
  • The Georgia Department of Public Health attributes today’s significant increase in cases due in part to additional laboratories reporting to DPH, and also improvements in electronic reporting from other laboratories. Patient information is often incomplete and DPH works to complete the records, so data will change over time.

Updated at 11:55 a.m. on 3/31/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 3,817 confirmed cases (21.43% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 108 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 129 cases in Bartow County including two deaths, 39 in Hamilton County, TN including two deaths, 33 in Floyd County including two deaths, 16 in Gordon County including one death, 10 in Whitfield County including two deaths, 3 in Catoosa, 3 in Chattooga and 1 in Dade County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 58% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 16,181 tests have been run to date in Georgia.
  • Emory University in Atlanta is now enrolling participants for the nation’s first clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Updated at 8:23 p.m. on 3/30/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 3,032 confirmed cases (25.49% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 102 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 125 cases in Bartow County including one death, 39 in Hamilton County, TN including two deaths, 31 in Floyd County including two deaths, 15 in Gordon County including one death, 8 in Whitfield County including two deaths, 3 in Catoosa, 3 in Chattooga and 1 in Dade County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 57% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 13,457 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 3:09 p.m. on 3/30/20

  • The 2020 Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga presented by McKee, A Family Bakery triathlon, originally scheduled for May 17, 2020 has been postponed to August 23, 2020. All registered athletes of the 2020 Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga presented by McKee, A Family Bakery triathlon will be receiving an email with further information.
  • Kemp, Williams: Officials Will Enforce Social Distancing at Parks, Lakes

Updated at 12:02 p.m. on 3/30/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,809 confirmed cases (25.17% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 87 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 121 cases in Bartow County including one death, 37 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 28 in Floyd County including two deaths, 15 in Gordon County including one death, 7 in Whitfield County including two deaths, 3 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 57% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 12,566 tests have been run to date in Georgia.
  • The annual low cost rabies clinics scheduled for April 11 & 18 have been postponed.

Updated at 7:18 p.m. on 3/29/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,683 confirmed cases (25.27% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 83 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 119 cases in Bartow County including one death, 37 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 28 in Floyd County including two deaths, 14 in Gordon County including one death, 8 in Whitfield County including two deaths, 3 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 12,564 tests have been run to date in Georgia.
  • President Trump declares a major disaster for all 159 Georgia counties due to the impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic

Updated at 12:23 p.m. on 3/29/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,651 confirmed cases (25.12% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 80 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 119 cases in Bartow County including one death, 34 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 27 in Floyd County including two deaths, 14 in Gordon County including one death, 8 in Whitfield County, 3 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 12,564 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 7:03 p.m. on 3/28/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,446 confirmed cases (26.98% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 79 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 117 cases in Bartow County including one death, 34 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 27 in Floyd County including one death, 14 in Gordon County including one death, 6 in Whitfield County, 3 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 11,051 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 12:25 p.m. on 3/28/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,366 confirmed cases (26.08% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 69 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 116 cases in Bartow County including one death, 32 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 27 in Floyd County including one death, 14 in Gordon County including one death, 6 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 11,051 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 7:55 p.m. on 3/27/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,198 confirmed cases (27.62% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 65 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 107 cases in Bartow County including one death, 32 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 26 in Floyd County including one death, 12 in Gordon County including one death, 6 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 9,865 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 5:24 p.m. on 3/27/20

Updated at 12:11 p.m. on 3/27/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 2,001 confirmed cases (28.29% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 64 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 98 cases in Bartow County, 30 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 20 in Floyd County, 12 in Gordon County, 6 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 57% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 9,865 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 10:40 a.m. on 3/27/20

Updated at 8:15 p.m. on 3/26/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,643 confirmed cases (30.98% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 56 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 93 cases in Bartow County, 30 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 17 in Floyd County, 9 in Gordon County, 6 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 59% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 8,926 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 4:05 p.m. on 3/26/20

  • Facebook Live stream of Emergency Meeting:

Updated at 1:05 p.m. on 3/26/20

  • Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issues Executive Order closing public elementary and secondary schools through April 24, 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19
  • Walker County Planning Commission meetings scheduled for April 2 and April 16th have been cancelled.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/26/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,525 confirmed cases (31.02% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 48 deaths.There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 86 cases in Bartow County, 26 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 16 in Floyd County, 9 in Gordon County, 5 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 59% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 8,926 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 8:30 a.m. on 3/26/20

  • Walker County, in partnership with CHI Memorial, Catoosa County and Dade County, will take part in a Facebook Live virtual town hall on Friday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m.  This event will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on Northwest Georgia. There will also be an opportunity for the public to ask questions of local health care leaders.
  • Blood Assurance is in desperate need of blood donations. Due to blood drive cancellations, over 1,000 units that were anticipated have not been received. Blood donations are essential in maintaining the infrastructure of our health care system.  As for the safety of blood donation at this time, Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, reiterated that there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus and the virus poses no known risk to patients receiving blood.

Updated at 7:00 p.m. on 3/25/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,387 confirmed cases (31.6% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 47 deaths.There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 82 cases in Bartow County, 26 in Hamilton County, TN including one death, 14 in Floyd County, 9 in Gordon County, 4 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 60% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 6,179 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 4:05 p.m. on 3/25/20

  • All vehicle registrations that expire between March 16, 2020 and May 14, 2020 have been extended through May 15, 2020. This extension applies to all annual registrations, including personal passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan (IRP), and Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) issued at the time of a vehicle purchase. Registrations that expired before March 16, 2020 do not qualify for this extension.

Updated at 12:00 p.m. on 3/25/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,247 confirmed cases (31.6% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 40 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 78 cases in Bartow County, 15 in Hamilton County, TN, 14 in Floyd County, 8 in Gordon County, 4 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 60% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 6,179 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 7:12 p.m. on 3/24/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,097 confirmed cases (33% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 38 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 76 cases in Bartow County, 15 in Hamilton County, TN, 12 in Floyd County, 8 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 5,484 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 3:45 p.m. on 3/24/20

  • Rock City Gardens and the Battles for Chattanooga museum will remain closed until further notice. Clumpies Ice Cream has closed its scoop shops for the time being, but will continue to offer online ordering and local delivery service. Starbucks on Lookout Mountain will remain open for carryout service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at this time.

Updated at 2:02 p.m. on 3/24/20

  • Walker County Elections staff will be limiting time in the office. There is a hearing scheduled for Thursday.  Staff does have access to email access and can remotely access voicemail. There is a table outside the office door with registration applications and absentee ballot applications.
  • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says all registered voters will receive an absentee ballot request form in the mail for the May 19th election.

Updated at 12:02 p.m. on 3/24/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited and prioritized testing in the state of Georgia. There are 1,026 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 32 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 75 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 11 in Floyd County, 7 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 56% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 5,484 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 8:08 p.m. on 3/23/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 800 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 26 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 61 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 10 in Floyd County, 6 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 59% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 5,069 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 12:08 p.m. on 3/23/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 772 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 25 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 61 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 10 in Floyd County, 5 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County, 1 in Catoosa and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 59% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 5,069 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 11:30 a.m. on 3/23/20

Updated at 7:05 p.m. on 3/22/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 620 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 25 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 56 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 9 in Floyd County, 4 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 60% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 4,020 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/22/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 600 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 23 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 57 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 9 in Floyd County, 4 in Gordon County, 2 in Whitfield County and 1 in Chattooga County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 42% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 4,020 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 8:47 p.m. on 3/21/20

Updated at 7:08 p.m. on 3/21/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 555 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 20 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 56 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 8 in Floyd County, 4 in Gordon County and 1* in Whitfield County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 41% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 3,616 tests have been run to date in Georgia.
  • *Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton confirms a second case in Whitfield County, but it has not yet been added to the official state numbers.

Updated at 12:12 p.m. on 3/21/20

  • There are no “confirmed” cases in Walker County due to limited testing in the state of Georgia. There are 507 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 14 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga with 56 cases in Bartow County, 8 in Hamilton County, TN, 8 in Floyd County, 3 in Gordon County and 1 in Whitfield County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 41% of the “confirmed” cases in Georgia. 3,064 tests have been run to date in Georgia.

Updated at 7:45 p.m. on 3/20/20

  • Walker County Government Reduces Operations to Mission Critical Services in Response to COVID-19
  • Here is the list of how government operations are impacted
  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County due to limited testing. There are 485 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 14 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia with 54 cases in Bartow County, 7 in Floyd County, 3 in Gordon County and 1 in Whitfield County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 41% of the cases in Georgia. 2,386 tests have been run to date.

Updated at 5:30 p.m. on 3/20/20

  • Commissioner Whitfield will provide a Facebook Live update tonight at 7:15 p.m. concerning the impact of COVID-19 in our community. Please follow the county government page and turn your notifications on to receive an alert.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/20/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 420 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 13 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia with 40 cases in Bartow County, 6 in Floyd County, 3 in Gordon County and 1 in Whitfield County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 41% of the cases in Georgia. 2,386 tests have been run to date.

Updated at 4:15 p.m. on 3/19/20

  • All four drive-thru lanes are now open at the Local Government Services building for Tax, Tag and Title services.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/19/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 287 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 10 deaths. There is community spread in Northwest Georgia with 26 cases in Bartow County, 6 in Floyd County, 4 in Gordon County and 1 in Whitfield County. 18 to 49 year olds make up 46% of the cases in Georgia. 1,831 tests have been run to date.
  • Georgia to prioritize COVID-19 testing to most vulnerable, first responders and health care workers

Updated at 10:00 a.m. on 3/19/20

  • Rossville Redev Workshop has created a form for small businesses in Rossville to fill out to obtain information on Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Loans, Federal Aid packages, and small business support resources.
  • Walker County Extension will work remotely until at least Monday 3/30/2020. Staff will be in the office on a limited basis. Appointments are available as necessary for critical needs.For immediate assistance contact:
    Walker County Extension: 706.638.2548 or email walker.extension@uga.edu
    Ag Agent, Wade Hutcheson: 770.584.7224 or email hutch@uga.edu
    4-H Agent, Casey Hobbs: 423-521-0573 or email chobbs@uga.eduA drop box has been set up for soil sample deliveries; all customers will be invoiced for lab fees. Please leave no payments, cash or check in the drop box. For clients needing water test service, contact 706-638-2548 and arrangements will be made.

Updated at 6:00 p.m. on 3/18/20

Updated at 5:30 p.m. on 3/18/20

  • The Walker County Assessor’s Office is closed to walk-in traffic. If you have business to conduct, you are asked to call 706-638-4823 and schedule an appointment. Returns and Manufactured Home Appeals will be accepted if postmarked by April 1st. The address is PO Box 399, Rock Spring, GA 30739

Updated at 2:10 p.m. on 3/18/20

Updated at 12:10 p.m. on 3/18/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 197 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 19 in Bartow County, 6 in Floyd County, 3 in Gordon County and 1 in Whitfield County.  The state of Georgia is now able to process 200 tests a day.

Updated at 10:45 a.m. on 3/18/20

City of Rossville update:

  • City Hall remains CLOSED to the public. Office Staff will receive phone calls between 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00 Monday thru Friday.
  • Fines, Taxes, and Licenses may be paid for through N Court – 1-(877)-685-4495 or at the website www.cityofrossvillepmts.com (If you need payment amounts, please call 706-866-1325). If you wish to pay with a MONEY ORDER only, you may mail in your payment to City of Rossville, PO Box 159, Rossville, GA 30741.
  • Civic Center is CLOSED until further notice.
  • Senior Center is CLOSED until further notice. Home Delivery of Meals on Wheels is continuing at this time.
  • Public Works will continue as normal and practice Social Distancing while working. If you need immediate assistance from the Public Works Department, please call 706-841-2912.
  • Permits will be issued by appointment only with our Codes Enforcement Officer. Please call 706-841-4012 for an appointment. Please leave a message with your name and number and your call will be returned.
  • Police & Fire Operations will continue as normal.
  • Sewer Questions please call 1-(877)-811-8700.
  • Because of the current medical emergency your scheduled court date has been somewhat delayed. We expect this court date and the next several scheduled dates to be very lengthy court sessions. If you elect to come to court be prepared to be there for a while. If you would like to avoid court you may determine the amount of your fine by calling 706-866-1325, and pay your fine using one of the following methods:
    1. Pay By Telephone, using a credit card through N Court by calling 1 (877) 685-4495 and following the prompts.2. Pay on Line by visiting www.cityofrossvillepmts.com and following the web site instructions.3. Pay By Mail, using a Money Order Only DO NOT MAIL CASH OR CHECKS, and mailing your payment to City of Rossville, PO Box 159, Rossville, GA 30741.4. Pay in Person by visiting the Rossville Police Department Monday thru Friday between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm, and paying with cash or money order.Scheduled Court dates are still dependent on the medical emergency conditions and are subject to change. You should contact the Court Clerk at 706-866-1325 within five days prior to your scheduled court date to confirm that court will be conducted as scheduled.

Updated at 10:00 a.m. on 3/18/20

  • The lobby at the Walker County Tax Commissioner’s office has been closed to the public. Tax, Tag and Title work can be completed at the drive-through, online, by phone (706-638-2929) or by utilizing the drop box at the office. Public access to the Planning office has also been limited. Please call 706-638-4048 when you arrive to gain entry to the building.

Updated at 12:45 p.m. on 3/17/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 146 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia, including 10 in Bartow County, 6 in Floyd County and 2 in Gordon County.
  • In an effort to keep our staff safe during this public health crisis, Walker County Animal Control will be dispatched ONLY to respond to bite cases. Until further notice, Animal Control officers will NOT be sent out to pick up stray animals. Please do NOT call 911 and tie up vital emergency lines with stray calls. Your friends and neighbors depend on these lines being available for medical and emergency situations.
  • The Walker County Commissioner’s office will be closed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • The March 19th Walker County Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled

Updated at 11:15 a.m. on 3/17/20

  • Inmate visitation on site at the Walker County Detention Facility has been suspended. Family and friends who wish to visit with an inmate can visit remotely by logging into securustech.net

City of Rossville update:

  • Effective Immediately City Hall is CLOSED to the public.
  • Office Staff will receive phone calls between 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00 Monday thru Friday.
  • Fines, Taxes and Licenses may be paid for through N Court – 1 (877) 685-449 (If you need payment amounts, please call 706 866-1325).  If you wish to pay with a Money Order only, you may mail in your payment to City of Rossville, P O Box 159, Rossville, GA 30741.
  • Civic Center is CLOSED until further notice.
  • Senior Center is CLOSED until further notice.  Home Delivery of Meals on Wheels is continuing at this time.
  • Public Works will continue as normal and practice Social Distancing while working. If you need immediate assistance from the Public Works Department, please call 706-841-2912.
  • Permits will be by appointment only with our Codes Enforcement Officer.  Please call 706 841-4012 for an appointment. Please leave a message with your name and number and your call will be returned.
  • Police & Fire -Operations will continue as normal.
  • Sewer Questions – Please call 1 (877) 811-8700
  • Municipal Court scheduled for March 16th has been re-scheduled to April 20, 2020 at 5:00 PM.  Future Courts will be updated when available.

Updated at 9:37 a.m. on 3/17/20

  • The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline: 1-844-442-2681. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to novel coronavirus, please call your primary care physician, an urgent care clinic or your locally federally qualified healthcare center. Please DO NOT show up unannounced at an emergency room or healthcare facility. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Updated at 8:50 a.m. on 3/17/20

  • Volunteers with Perry’s Promise, a local non-profit that assists pet owners, will be offering grocery services to senior citizens during this public health crisis. If you are elderly and need someone to make a grocery run for you, call 706-996-9146 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Also, for the safety of our senior citizens, volunteers will not come into your home when making the delivery. Additional volunteers are also needed for this effort. Message them through Facebook or call 706-996-9146 for additional information.

Updated at 8:30 p.m. on 3/16/20

  • Due to circumstances related to COVID-19, we are currently unable to transport animals out of the shelter to rescue groups. In order to keep numbers manageable for our staff, intake at the Walker County Animal Shelter has been suspended until further notice.
  • The Shelter also remains closed to the public for adoptions. Staff will continue to work caring for the displaced pet population.
  • Chickamauga Recreation has suspended all activities. No practices, scrimmages, games or tournaments will be allowed.

Updated at 2:25 p.m. on 3/16/20

  • Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, which includes Walker County, acknowledges there is now clear indication of community spread of COVID-19 in Northwest Georgia
  • Judicial order issued from Walker County Superior Court limiting court activity
  • Until further notice, Chickamauga City Hall will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, the city hall office will be available by phone only. For the convenience of the city customers, payments can be placed in the drop box located outside the city hall, paid online at www.chickamaugapay.com, or mailed to PO Box 69, Chickamauga, GA 30707.
  • Until further notice LaFayette City Hall is closed to walk-in traffic. The drive-through will remain open for utility payments. The City also has online bill pay and an automated phone payment system available. For phone payments, call 1-833-273-7456. https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lafayettegaThe LaFayette Police Department offices will also be closed to the public. This closure will not affect our officers answering calls for service through 911. If you need to pay a ticket you may do so online at Ezcourtpay.com . If you have any questions, please call 706-639-1540.The Water, Sewer, Electric and Natural Gas Departments will continue normal operations to ensure reliable utility service throughout this event. Public Works will remain on normal operations as well.To support the efforts of social distancing, LaFayette has decided to close the Recreation Centers, close the LaFayette Golf Course, Suspend the Recreation Spring Sports season, and Cancel the 2020 Egg Hunt.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/16/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 121 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia.

Updated at 12:05 p.m. on 3/15/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 99 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia.

Updated at 9:05 p.m. on 3/14/20

Updated at 11:53 a.m. on 3/14/20

  • There are no confirmed cases in Walker County. There are 66 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia.

Updated at 7:49 p.m. on 3/13/20

  • Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) from Catoosa, Dade, Walker and Whitfield counties are joining forces to help Northwest Georgia communities manage and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. These EMAs have formed the Northwest Georgia COVID-19 Task Force consisting of community leaders from city and county governments, school systems, health departments, and emergency response agencies.

Updated on 6:17 p.m. on 3/13/20

Updated on 4:04 p.m. on 3/13/20

Walker County Government:

  • Beginning Monday, March 16th, all Walker County community and activity centers will be closed through the end of March. This includes the Walker County Civic Center, Ag Center, LaFayette Senior Center, Rossville Athletic Center, and our various community centers. The Meals on Wheels food service will continue to operate through our Senior Center.
  • The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed to the public during this mitigation period. Staff will continue to work in order to care for the displaced pet population. Animal Control will continue to answer animal control calls.
  • The County custodial staff has been given guidance to prioritize regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces – such as door knobs, countertops, keyboards, and light switches.
  • Information from the CDC will be posted in public buildings providing steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • This weekend, custodial staff will be fogging some of the County’s highest traffic public buildings with sanitizing vapor.
  • The County also start fogging our Transit buses with sanitizing vapor.
  • The public is strongly encouraged to conduct business with the county by mail or online as much as possible.
  • At this moment, in order to keep Walker County Government operational, we plan to continue with our public Commissioner’s meeting calendar, but advise those who feel sick or would be at significant risk due to a weakened immune system, from attending.  We will continue to post all of the County Commissioner Meetings on our Youtube Channel.
  • Chief Judge Kristina Cook Graham of the Superior Court of the Lookout Mountian Judicial Circuit has declared a Judicial Emergency that will affect all courts in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker Counties. It is the order of the court that no jurors or grand jurors shall report and no jury trials shall be held for a period of 30 days.
  • Our 911 Center is screening calls, so our first responders can take extra precautions around patients with fever, shortness of breath and a dry cough.
  • All 2020 Census public events are suspended. Invitations to fill out the Census online went out in the mail yesterday. We encourage those with Internet access to finish the Census online and Make Walker Count. The Census questionnaire can also be filled out and mailed in or completed by phone.
  • We are continuing to develop operational and support plans for various departments, should the risk of exposure increase in our community.

Walker County Schools:

Walker County Schools will be closed from March 16th through March 27th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Per the school system’s calendar, students and staff will return to school after spring break on April 6th.

During this time, all Walker County Schools activities will be suspended, canceled, or rescheduled from March 16th through March 27th.

  • Each school has developed an extended learning plan. A packet of information went home with students today. There is a digital component that will allow teachers to interact with students electronically if they have needs or questions.
  • Employees will be paid as normal.
  • The Pre-K lottery application deadline has been extended until April 10th.
  • A plan is being developed to provide breakfast and lunch options for students while school is closed. If interested in receiving assistance, please fill out the linked form. A SchoolMessenger call will go out this Sunday with more details.

DAY CARE HELP:
Parents can contact for prices and hours:

  • Academy for Little People- (706) 375-7529 Will remain open at this time & will ONLY offer childcare for school aged children that normally attend.
  • Chattanooga Valley Baptist Daycare- (706) 820-9736 daycare@cvbchurch.com Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend. Meals will be provided.
  • First Steps (706) 866-2929 Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend.
  • Flintstone ChildCare Inc. (706) 820-2638 Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend.
  • Little Kingdom Academy- (706) 841-1300 Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend.
  • Treasure Academy (706) 935-6837 Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend.
  • Wee Care (706) 638-3727 (meeting at 4:00 today)
  • Wee Teach (706) 375-4105 Will remain open at this time & will offer childcare for school aged children that normally don’t attend.

Chickamauga City Schools:

Chickamauga City Schools will be closed from March 16th through March 27th. Students will return to school on April 6th after Spring Break. The district is taking this action in an abundance of caution to reduce the opportunity for the spread of COVID-19 among our teachers and students. In addition to closing our schools, the Georgia High School Association is suspending spring sports activities until further notice. All students have a digital device, and digital learning will begin on Monday.

Student lessons will be provided via Distance Learning Plans for K – 2 (teacher newsletters), and Microsoft Teams for grades 3 – 12 and monitored by their teachers. Governor Brian Kemp provided guidance for school systems today, and the state supports school systems closing for a 14-day period for us to better understand and control the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

City of Rossville:

Out of an abundance of care concerning COVID-19 the following schedules will apply:

  • Rossville Senior Center will be closed from March 16th thru March 30th, 2020.
  • Rossville Municipal Court scheduled for March 16, 2020 has been postponed until April 20, 2020.
  • All Rossville Recreational activities in the city limits of Rossville are suspended until March 27, 2020.

These dates are subject to be extended pending the daily monitoring of Covid-19.

City of LaFayette:

  • The City will continue with all services the public relies on, such as public safety, police, fire, sanitation and public works.
  • City Hall will remain open, but the public is asked to use the phone or mail as much as possible to minimize face to face interactions.
  • Recreation programs, including the golf course, will be suspended in parallel with the school system.

Cherokee Regional Library System:

This information impacts the libraries in Rossville, Chickamauga and LaFayette.

Walker County library locations will close, effective Monday, March 16th, through the end of the month. Patrons will have this weekend to stock up on materials, such as books and movies.

Tutorials will be posted on the system’s website and social media for accessing online materials. E-books, audiobooks and e-magazines will be available.

Department of Public Health:

  • We need to follow the CDC guidelines.
  • A daily status report is updated regularly with COVID-19 cases in Georgia.
  • There are no cases reported in Walker County as of 3/13/20.
  • If you are sick, stay home.
  • Social distancing works and people are encouraged to stop shaking hands
  • If you think you might have been exposed, DO NOT GO TO THE DOCTOR or HOSPITAL WITHOUT CALLING FIRST. This gives healthcare workers an opportunity to perform triage without exposing everyone else.
  • There is a big concern about mass gatherings, such as social events and church services. Churches should consider suspending public services over the next two to three weeks until there is a clearer picture about how this virus will play out.
  • Businesses should be considering things they can help employees and customers do to limit exposure.

Additional information:

The Walker County Elections office will be open for early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary on Saturday, March 14th, as well as the satellite locations in Rock Spring, Rossville, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain. All locations will be open from 9am-4pm.

EPA releases a list of disinfectants for use to combat Coronavirus.

 

Return to the main COVID-19 page