Mother calls for better contact tracing after daughter tests positive for COVID

By Willie S. Morrissey Last updated Apr 19, 2022

Knoxville, Tenn. (WVLT) — On Wednesday, Jody Hood stood outside Shannondale Elementary School with two other parents holding signs in an effort to make sure other parents are aware.

Hood said her 8-year-old daughter caught COVID-19 at school.

“I called the school yesterday to try to figure out what happens if someone tested positive in their class and they were unable to give me any information,” Hood said.

Hood’s third-grader tested positive on Wednesday.

” She is fine. She’s got a fever, sore throat, stomach pain, she’s fine but I think she’s a little scared on top of that,” Hood said.

Hood is frustrated with what she says is the school district’s lack of transparency.

Knox County Schools Superintendent Bob Thomas emailed parents on Wednesday saying the district, beginning Wednesday, will work with the Knox County Health Department to contact the trace in schools. .

Superintendent Bob Thomas emailed parents Wednesday saying the district would begin working with KCHD to contact the trace.(WVLT)

Hood thinks it’s not effective and could leave many parents it for days until they learn their students were close contacts.

“I just think it would be easier for the schools in Knox County to do the contact tracing for us rather than have another organization do it who obviously have their hands full,” Hood said.

Hood is calling for more virtual options, and at least a mandatory mask mandate for all students and staff.