Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
In a statement on Friday, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters asked tourists to put their vacations to the area on hold and stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic closures, including most businesses, attractions and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“Normally at this time of year, we are enjoying the beautiful weather and all the visitors in Sevier County,” Mayor Waters said. “However, this year, things are different.
“Due to the Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made several changes to our normal way of life. Most businesses are closed, restaurants are offering take-out or delivery only, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed and social distancing is being practiced.
“So, because of all that, we’re asking that you put your vacation plans on hold. We know you want to be in Sevier County and you know how much we enjoy having you here. But for the safety of your family and ours, please stay at home.
“Sevier County will be ready for you just as soon as it is safe for everyone.”
On March 22, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an Executive Order calling for restaurants and bars to close dining areas and offer only drive through or delivery. Later that day Sevier County and cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Pittman Center urged all non-essential businesses to close.
Pigeon Forge issued what it called a “Safe at Home Advisory” on March 23 asking all resident to stay inside their homes and limit all movement outside except for essential needs.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed to the public on Tuesday, March 24.
On March 27, the mayors of Sevier County and Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Pittman Center, and Sevierville on Thursday declared a State of Local Emergency for Sevier County.
Tourists flocked to Sevier County in recent weeks, despite the closures. Sidewalks in Gatlinburg and local stores were crowded, causing residents to worry about the spread of the coronavirus and impact on local supplies.
There is currently no statewide stay-at-home order. Governor Bill Lee said at a press conference today that he sent troopers to assess Gatlinburg, “I sent troopers to Gatlinburg yesterday just to walk the streets and just to give me a first-hand view of what’s happening out there.”
my spring yr day’s for the rod vehicle events in Sevierville & pigeon Forge Gatlinburg I had surrender all my plans for the safety of everyone’s..but people from others states & Florida I seen the worst feedback from saying either they pd for a plc to stay or they ws coming to these vett event’s either way if they jus hav to walk our streets..I’m not saying all the bd as they said about Tenn. But they need to understand they are putting in danger of a disease war attacking us all. And it is putting them in a much higher risk of getting sick..they cn get their money bk from the temporary government shutdown or make evn if it is next spring is reschedule for a for the next yr . we are all in this together & I know Sevierville will not mislead any1 who hs pd for these events
For the love of God close the hotels and cannons! Walgreens was full of people shopping for pool toys and telling folks “up north they sell wine”
Parking lot was full of plates from MI, NY, NJ, FL, Illinois and OH.
They don’t care if they bring it down here.
Should have done that weeks ago b4 all the tourist came in!!!
I wonder if these tourists have cabin reservations and the cabin rental agencies won’t refund them their money.
Cabin companies are not refunding money when rescheduling isn’t an option. That’s why people are still coming. The rental companies are being unreasonable and greedy. These companies will get assistance from the stimulus so no reason they shouldn’t refund the money to people who have bookings during the shutdown.