On August 17th, West Carroll Special School District chose to close all of their schools (Primary, Elementary, Jr/Sr High) Wednesday through Friday of that week.  Preston Caldwell, Director of Schools, said "the time is needed for quarantine relief, and to prepare for distance learning."  Caldwell made the decision after more than 300 students (38% of the student population) were in quarantine.  
 
The unspoken part of this story is that the parents of 900 students have also been affected - as they suddenly have to adjust their work schedule, or use vacation days, or have had to quit their job altogether due to unpredictable needs at home. This obviously places a financial hardship on these families, with no recourse. 

This same scenario is playing out in schools all across West Tennessee, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is impacting young people at a much higher rate than the previous virus. Among children age 10 and younger, an average of 550 new COVID cases PER DAY are occurring across Tennessee. In the last 2 weeks (as of 8/19), over 12,000 children age 5 to 18 have been diagnosed with COVID. That's 12,000 families economically affected as well.

Schools all across the area are reporting higher illness rates, and quarantine procedures require those in contact to take time away from school as well....resulting in even more families struggling to adjust work schedules.
  
Shelby County, in trying to mitigate the sudden rise in COVID cases has today (8/20) reinstated their mask mandate for all indoor public places such as restaurants, bars, gyms, event venues, hotels, multi-residential buildings, and other businesses.

An article published on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's website (here) recognizes the strain families are under, and is calling on local and state lawmakers to use federal money to provide direct financial support for women and their families. The article cites that 2.5 million women left the job market during the crisis and have increased child care responsibilities in today's world. The article also suggests implementing policies that support families, including: paid family leave, flexible schedules, and remote work options.

If your family is struggling due to COVID related issues, call us at the law office of T. Verner Smith.
 
Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. 

​Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.