Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Sevier County leaders, including elected officials and representatives from county emergency services, health departments and school system; cities of Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center; healthcare providers and the National Park Service met Wednesday to discuss preparedness plans for potential cases of Coronavirus, Novel COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, for most of the American public who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
“While there have been no reported cases of the virus in east Tennessee, we wanted to meet and give our public officials the latest information,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “We want to be as prepared as possible.”
Sevier County EMA Director Joe Ayers updated the group on the Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus guidelines, including:
- Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover coughs or sneezes with tissues and throw them in the trash
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Clean frequently-touched surfaces with a disinfectant
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
The most current Coronavirus information can be found at:
CDC Coronavirus site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Tennessee Dept. of Health Coronavirus site: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
Listen to the March 4, 2020 CDC Partner Call
Mayor Waters said the group will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
Those attending the meeting on March 4, 2020 were from Tennessee Department of Health; cities of Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center; Covenant Health; East Tennessee Health Care Coalition; Gatlinburg Fire EMS; Great Smoky Mountains National Park; LeConte Medical Center; Sevier County departments of Schools, E-911, EMA, EMS, Fire & Rescue, Health Department and government offices.
