COVID-19 INFORMATION

Safer at Home Health Order issued for Sullivan County, local
emergency declared for City of Bristol

Officials from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department have issued a Safer at Home Health Order for the citizens of Sullivan County effective beginning at 12:01 AM EDT on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 that will remain in effect until further notice. The order was signed by Health Officer Dr. Stephen May in order to mitigate the regional impact of COVID-19, reduce the strain on healthcare resources and ultimately save lives. This order urges citizens to shelter at home as much as possible except when engaging in essential activities. These include:
 Trips to the grocery store or pharmacy
 Medical appointments
 Visiting restaurants for take-out or drive-thru service
 Caring for friends and family members in need
 Enjoying outdoor recreation.
CDC guidance on proper hand hygiene and social distancing, such as maintaining a distance of
six feet between people, should continue to be followed at all times.
The order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people and orders the closure of businesses not performing essential services as determined by health department officials. Directives are provided for certain essential businesses that remain in operation, and the order does not apply to
activities supporting the critical infrastructure sectors described at
https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19.
In conjunction with the Safer at Home Health Order, Bristol, Tennessee Mayor Margaret Feierabend and City Manager Bill Sorah also issued an Executive Order proclaiming a local and civil emergency within the City of Bristol, Tennessee. Following declarations by President Donald Trump and Governor Bill Lee that proclaimed emergencies related to the COVID-19

City of Bristol Tennessee

For the full text of these orders, as well as additional information about the City of Bristol’s
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.bristoltn.org/covid19.

ETSU Health to transition drive-through COVID-19 testing site to Health Department

Decision comes as local health department opens testing sites in Washington and surrounding counties

JOHNSON CITY – With an increase in regional COVID-19 testing capacity, ETSU Health will close its drive-through COVID-19 testing site, located at 325 North State of Franklin, effective April 1, 2020. While the drive-through site will no longer be open, ETSU Health will continue to administer COVID-19 testing in its clinics.

“The local health department has just opened their drive-through testing sites in Washington County and the surrounding counties,” said Dr. Jonathan Moorman, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. “These new sites are open to the public and, along with Ballad Health testing sites, are large enough to handle the demand for testing in our region at this time. These sites will test patients with symptoms of COVID-19 just as ETSU has done. We do not want to duplicate the same services they will be offering at these new sites.”

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath can contact the Health Department at 423-979-4689 for screening and further information on testing sites.

Have you recently been displaced from work? Several local employers are now hiring!

Biopure Service

CHILDRESS Commercial Property Maintenance

CVS Pharmacy

Food City

Kroger

Lowe’s Home Improvement

Walmart Neighborhood Market Kingsport – Lynn Garden Dr

Are you hiring at your business? Contact Nora Davis at ndavis@kingsportchamber.org to be included on this list.

Resources

• The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is a great resource for information on unemployment, business updates and COVID-19.

• Tennessee Governor News page is a great source of state-wide information.

• Your Kingsport Chamber’s COVID-19 page.

Your Kingsport Chamber’s Facebook page.

ETSU special education faculty offering teachers, parents advice on at-home learning for students with severe disabilities

JOHNSON CITY – Three special education faculty members from East Tennessee State University are reaching out to offer assistance to teachers and parents who are now trying to educate students at home who have severe disabilities, such as significant Autism or significant cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities, or multiple disabilities.

Beginning Thursday, April 2, these faculty will hold a Zoom meeting from 4-5 p.m. for educators and parents who have questions and are looking for ideas, strategies and best-practices for teaching children with severe disabilities in an online environment.  The meetings will continue throughout the spring.

The Zoom sessions are open to those working with students who have severe disabilities. For more information about attending the meeting, contact Dr. Mims at mimspj@etsu.edu.

Building Department Open for Business via Online or Phone

KINGSPORT, TN – The City of Kingsport building department has closed its doors to the public in an effort to protect citizens and staff, but is still open for business. The city encourages the development community to keep in contact with Development Services via phone or email to check on the status of a project or with any questions or concerns.

Development Services will do its best to keep all projects moving forward at the best pace possible. It is important to note that there may be a delay in turn-around time for items such as subdivision plats which require original signatures.  This is due to some of our required signatories working from home during this time. These employees will schedule time to come into the office to sign those documents at their earliest convenience.  Also – please note that the County Register of Deeds is only recording documents by appointment at this time.

All applications can be found on the city website at the following links:

Planning/Development related applications: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/planning-commission/

Building Department related applications: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/building/building-permit-application/

Contact Information:

Building Division: (423) 229-9393

Planning & Zoning: (423) 229-9485

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

ETSU Health begins offering telemedicine appointments for patients
Service can help minimize exposure to COVID-19

JOHNSON CITY – Beginning next week, ETSU Health is bringing medical care closer to home for its patients by offering telemedicine appointments. Telemedicine is the use of electronic audio and video communication to provide remote health care services to patients.

“ETSU Health has partnered with VisuWell, a telehealth company, to provide patients access to our health care team using a web-based portal,” said Dr. Timothy Canavan, a professor at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine and chair of the Department of OB/GYN.

While plans for the telemedicine service at ETSU Health were in place before the COVID-19 outbreak, the timing of its implementation is good for patients because it provides them the opportunity to receive medical care from their ETSU Health providers in the comfort of their own homes.

The new telemedicine service is currently available to all established ETSU Health patients, but administrators hope to expand it to all patients within three to four months.

Current patients can make a telemedicine appointment over the phone. They will be sent an email with a link that takes them to the telemedicine portal where they can meet their provider for a health care appointment. Patients can use a laptop, tablet or cell phone with internet access to access their appointment. Eventually, ETSU Health will add a link on the website that any patient can use to make a telemedicine appointment.

“This service saves patients travel time and cost, and the convenience makes compliance easier for the patient,” Canavan said. “It gives patients who live far from us access to the medical experts at ETSU.”

To learn more about ETSU Health, visit www.etsuhealth.org.

City Department Responses to COVID-19

Please read through to learn what steps police, fire, public works and customer service are taking to keep the public and employees safe

KINGSPORT, TN – Essential services to the citizens of Kingsport are being altered to take precautions with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The departments that deal primarily with the public have taken steps, expected to be in place for the next 6-8 weeks, to protect both employees and residents.

Kingsport Police Department

In light of current events, citizens should rest assured that the Kingsport Police Department is still responding to emergencies and other citizen calls for service and will continue to do so. With that in mind, for the time being, citizens may notice some minor changes in police interactions. For example:

• Whenever possible, routine reports, especially those non-criminal in nature, may be handled over the telephone.

• Whenever possible, officers may avoid entering homes, and instead communicate with citizens outside, unless it is absolutely necessary to enter the residence.

• Whenever possible, officers will try to observe the recommended 6-foot distance from citizens and avoid shaking hands.

• The Kingsport Justice Center will remain open; however, citizens are respectfully requested to not come to the Justice Center unless absolutely necessary. If your need can be handled via telephone, please call.

• If you absolutely need to come to the Justice Center, please consider remaining in your vehicle, calling upon arrival, and allowing an officer to come out to you.

We currently are and will continue to follow CDC recommended guidelines, particularly those involving hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and social-distancing. Some internal precautions that have already been put into place include:

• All non-essential training and travel has been suspended.

• Disposable equipment is being utilized as much as possible.

• Disinfecting stations have been created for proper cleaning of persons, vehicles, and other equipment.

• Community relations programs such as citizen ride-alongs and Justice Center tours have been suspended.

To reiterate, none of these changes will affect the Kingsport Police Department’s ability to respond to emergencies or other citizen calls for service.

For questions regarding K.P.D., please reach out to Tom Patton at 423-229-9433.

Kingsport Fire Department

The K.F.D. is making every effort to limit the exposure to employees.

• All business travel has been suspended; supervisors will question employees on travel plans from now until the end of June; recommend self-quarantine if employee shows any signs or symptoms

• All public education programs have been suspended

• Routine fire inspections, unless vital, have been suspended

• Recruitment school has been suspended

• Only in-house and online training permissible

• All stations have secured main entrances – no guests beyond the foyer and bay doors to remain closed at all times

• All employees must enter through main entrance each shift and complete the health questionnaire and have their temperature taken

For questions regarding K.F.D., please reach out to Barry Brickey at 423-224-2820.

Kingsport Public Works

The Kingsport Public Works Department is essential to providing basic services to the citizens of Kingsport on a daily basis. The city is committed to the health and safety of all citizens and customers so all essential services will continue to operate throughout this event.

Understanding that access to clean water is key to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, Kingsport will keep water on for all customers despite unpaid utility bills during this event. 

Within Public Works Operations, the primary focus at the present time is to prevent the spread of the virus among our employees. The steps that have been taken include:

• Suspended all large group meetings

• Limited group gathering to the crew level size

• Offset shift schedules in larger divisions by increments of 30 minutes

• Assignment of work tasks remotely via the Cartegraph system

• Increased disinfectant of surfaces at division locations

• Increased signage encouraging preventative measures (social distancing, hand washing, coughing/sneezing etiquette)

The following actions have been taken to limit public interaction:

• Suspension of the Historic Zoning Commission and Gateway Commission

• Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals have moved to the Civic Auditorium to provide adequate social distancing standards

• Earlier in the year, to secure the building and provide limited access to the building division, planning division and GIS was completed

Emergency preparation is underway to ensure critical staffing levels are maintained within the water, wastewater and sanitation divisions.

For questions regarding public works, please reach out to Ryan McReynolds at 423-229-9471.

Kingsport Customer Service

Kingsport Customer Service is essential to city operations. Several steps are being taken to protect employees and customers.

• Effective March 16, all late payments and all penalties are suspended to minimize the public traffic at city hall. While service will not be terminated during the extended period, customers will still be billed for water and wastewater services and past-due balances will continue to accrue if payment is not made.

• When operations return to normal, customers will be asked to sign a payment agreement for any unpaid water/utility bills. An extension from 6 months to 12 months for the agreement timeframe has been put in place.

• For customers needing new service, customer service will try to work with the customer to get the needed documentation through email and text.

• As of March 18, a plexiglass barrier was installed to separate employees from customers to reduce spread of germs.

• Enhanced cleaning routines have been established throughout the customer service department.

Customers have several options available to pay their utility bills:

• Pay in person at the Justice Center
• Pay online at the city website gov
• Pay over the phone by calling (423) 343-9860
• Drop box located outside city hall
• Mail to PO Box 880, Kingsport, TN 37662 or 225 W Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660

For questions regarding customer service, please reach out to Lisa Winkle at 423-229-9335.

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov/covid-19-response. 

Building Department Open for Business via Online or Phone

KINGSPORT, TN – The City of Kingsport building department has closed its doors to the public in an effort to protect citizens and staff, but is still open for business. The city encourages the development community to keep in contact with Development Services via phone or email to check on the status of a project or with any questions or concerns.

Development Services will do its best to keep all projects moving forward at the best pace possible. It is important to note that there may be a delay in turn-around time for items such as subdivision plats which require original signatures.  This is due to some of our required signatories working from home during this time. These employees will schedule time to come into the office to sign those documents at their earliest convenience.  Also – please note that the County Register of Deeds is only recording documents by appointment at this time.

All applications can be found on the city website at the following links:

Planning/Development related applications: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/planning-commission/

Building Department related applications: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/building/building-permit-application/

Contact Information:

Building Division: (423) 229-9393

Planning & Zoning: (423) 229-9485

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

Bristol, Tennessee municipal buildings closing to public

Bristol, Tennessee municipal buildings will close to the public at 5 p.m. Friday, March 20, and remain closed until further notice.

City Manager Bill Sorah announced the decision Friday afternoon as the City continues to closely monitor the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the region.

“While we realize this may require us to utilize alternate methods for conducting city business, it is a vital step to protect the health of City employees and those we serve,” Sorah said. “We are fortunate to live in an era that allows us to work remotely and communicate effectively without face-to-face contact. We encourage residents to use the resources in place but want to assure them that someone will be available by phone should they need assistance.”

The Slater Community Center and Steele Creek Nature Center closed earlier this week, and now public access to all other City buildings will be restricted. Community members still will have access to the lobby of the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, however, and may use a phone available there to request an officer. Additionally, City transit buses will continue to operate on a regular schedule, with fees suspended to ensure transportation to vital community resources remains available. Transit buses will be restricted to 10 passengers at a time.

While City buildings are closed, residents may use a variety of bill-paying options and electronic forms to conduct business.

Utility bills, property taxes, and citations can be paid via a drive-through drop box located outside the Municipal Building on 8^th Street. Payments will be collected from this site periodically each weekday. Checks, cashier’s checks, cash and money orders will be accepted.

Other options for paying bills include:

• By phone using a credit or debit card. Utility customers should call (877) 768-5046 and have their account number ready. Property taxes can be paid by phone at (877)768-5048. A non-refundable convenience fee is added to all phone payments.
• Online by going to bristoltn.org/paynow and choosing the appropriate link. Online payments are accepted for utility bills, property taxes, and citations. A non-refundable convenience fee will be added.
• By mail to P.O. Box 1348, Bristol, TN, 37621-1348. Utility bills, property taxes, and citations can be paid by check, cashier’s check, or money order only.
• By automatic bank draft. An electronic form is now available online at bristoltn.org/paynow for customers who would like to set up bank draft for monthly utility bills.

A long list of applications routinely used in planning, zoning, codes enforcement and other divisions within the City’s Department of Development Services also are available online at www.bristoltn.org/development. Fees associated with these applications can be mailed to 104 8^th Street, Bristol, TN, 37620.

Residents are reminded that all City parks remain open, and gate fees at Steele Creek Park are currently waived.

For additional information or assistance with these and other services provided by the City, please call (423) 989-5500. Concerns and requests for help also can be submitted online after regular business hours using the Request Tracker button on the City’s webpage at www.bristoltn.org

The City will continue to provide up-to-date information on its website at www.bristoltn.org/covid19.

Citizens of Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport and all of Sullivan and Washington counties:

Our communities are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, there is only one case in our region and no evidence of community transmission—but it is crucial that our region takes definitive steps to prepare for the coming weeks.

Our highest priorities are the health and safety of our citizens as well as continuity of government and service delivery. This includes emergency services, water and utilities, and waste collection. We confer with Health Department officials, meet with our key personnel, and talk with each other on a daily basis to ensure our response is appropriate, adequate and aligned.

Mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 is critical and that is why, per the recommendation of our health departments and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we are suspending events and programs in our cities as well as closing recreation centers and other facilities that draw crowds. Other services, such as public transit, will operate as regularly as possible based upon the guidance from our public health officials.

We do not take the decision to cancel programs or close facilities lightly. Our hope is that these proactive steps will slow the spread of the virus, particularly among our most vulnerable neighbors and loved ones. Taking action now will help limit the duration of these interruptions so we can return to normal operations as soon as possible. 

Our cities and counties are dedicated to maintaining healthy and safe work environments for our personnel. It is in everyone’s best interest for our employees to remain healthy and able to provide essential services. Sanitation efforts have increased significantly. First responders are taking extra precautions, and 911 dispatchers are collecting additional information to further assess the needs of callers and first responders. Should we need to deploy them, we have internal plans that will allow for modified schedules and remote work options. We have canceled all non-essential meetings and are limiting face-to-face contact. With that in mind, we strongly encourage citizens to conduct business with us online or via phone. Limiting walk-in traffic will go a long way in keeping our facilities open and safe.

We are often asked for guidance on what our communities could or should do. While we defer to health officials for much of that information, we can offer the following: 

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds and with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

• Practice social distancing. Maintain 6-8 feet between yourself and others. Avoid large groups or crowds.

• Use curbside pickup and delivery options! Local businesses are modifying operations during this time. We urge everyone to “Distance Socially, Support Locally.” Visit these Facebook pages: @believeinbristol, @BristolChamber, @JCGoAllLocal, and @KPTSTRONG for information on changes to local businesses and how you can still support them.

• Utilize online services as much as possible. Check city websites for online payment and autodraft options, permit applications, etc.

• Stay home if you feel ill or if you are considered high risk. The CDC defines “high risk” as older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. These individuals should consider avoiding large gatherings like church services, birthday parties, or funerals.

• Check on neighbors who are considered high risk. Pick up necessities like groceries and medications for them so they don’t have to go into public places.

• Spend time outdoors! Enjoy city parks. Unplug. Breathe in fresh air.

• Business owners and employees should know that we are working closely with state officials on timely assistance and relief options. We are evaluating all the ways in which we may offer support during this challenging time. Please sign up at RegionAhead.comto be included in a business directory that will be a great resource moving forward.

Each City is maintaining a webpage with up-to-date schedule changes and information. Please check them often:

https://www.bristoltn.org/covid19

https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/covid-19

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/covid-19–response

We are a resourceful, resilient region of citizens who care deeply about their neighbors. We will get through this challenging period together. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Tri-Cities safe.

Bill Sorah    

City Manager, Bristol, Tenn.     

Margaret Feierabend   

Mayor, Bristol, Tenn.

Richard Venable

Mayor, Sullivan Co.

Pete Peterson

City Manager, Johnson City 

Jenny Brock                                                             

Mayor, Johnson City                                   

Joe Grandy  

Mayor, Washington Co.

Chris McCartt                                                  

City Manager, Kingsport                               

Pat Shull

Mayor, Kingsport

City to Close Library, Aquatic Center, Community Centers

All city facilities will close Thursday at 5 p.m. until further notice

KINGSPORT, TN – At the recommendation of the CDC and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the City of Kingsport will close the Kingsport Public Library and all other community centers, effective 5 p.m. on Thursday until further notice. Additionally, all rentals of city facilities are suspended until at least April 3.

This decision comes from City Manager Chris McCartt. All programs, classes and events were suspended indefinitely on Monday. At this time, all other city offices remain open.

This information is subject to change as the city continues to monitor the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19. Kingsport looks to the SCRHD and the CDC for recommendations and additional information.

Facility List

• Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: All park buildings—Nature Center, herpetarium, etc.—will be closed, but the park itself will remain open to the public. The Nature Center bathrooms, accessible from outside the building, will remain open.
• Kingsport Aquatic Center: Closed until further notice.
• Kingsport Carousel: Closing Wednesday at noon (previously released).
• Kingsport Farmers Market: The market will delay its opening until Saturday, May 2.
• Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts: All programs and classes are suspended.
• Kingsport Public Library: The library will close to the public. Due dates on materials currently in possession will be extended, and late fees will not apply. Holds and donations will not be available during the closure. Visit kingsportlibrary.org for access to digital resources at any time, including e-books, audiobooks and other virtual programs.
• Kingsport Parks and Recreation: All of Kingsport’s parks and on-site bathrooms will remain open to the public, but all programming including athletics are suspended. Lynn View Community Center and the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex will close. Ballfields, including Brickyard and Domtar Park, will also close.
• Kingsport Senior Center: Closing Wednesday at noon (previously released)
• Renaissance Center: Closing Wednesday at noon (previously released)

Rental Recommendations
If you have rented a city facility between now and April 3, please contact the facility. As of March 17, the CDC recommends that for the next 15 days, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events of 10 or more people; and for the next eight weeks, cancel events of 50 or more people. If anyone who has already booked a rental has questions or wishes to cancel, please reach out to the facility directly.

For up-to-date information on the city’s response to COVID-19, please visit kingsporttn.gov.

ETSU Health to offer outpatient coronavirus testing for community

Patients required to call ETSU Health coronavirus hotline to pre-register

JOHNSON CITY – In an effort to increase testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Appalachian Highlands, ETSU Health has established a community testing site open to pre-screened and pre-registered patients.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the ETSU Health testing site, located at 325 North State of Franklin,  will be set up and open to members of the community. Screenings will be available to those who are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus and have been screened by ETSU Health staff. Pre-registration is required for testing via the ETSU Health coronavirus hotline at (423-433-6110). The site will be open in the clinic parking lot Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is unavailable at the site, and the number of tests will be limited in the opening period.

“One of the best ways we can mitigate the spread of the disease is to increase testing availability so that people who have a positive test will take proper quarantine measures and not continue to spread the disease,” said Dr. Jonathan Moorman, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. “ETSU Health is providing this site to serve our community by lightening the load on our health care system and the local health departments.”

Moorman, who was recently named to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Coronavirus Task Force, hopes that the testing site will decrease the transmission of the disease by keeping potentially ill patients out of the area’s clinics where they could infect other patients. Similar mobile and drive-through testing sites have been utilized in other areas of the country.

ETSU Health is working with commercial testing entities such as LabCorp to provide the tests. The testing site will accept insured and uninsured patients, but again pre-screening is required.  Moorman said, “Individuals will need to have symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection. We do not want people who just have a runny nose to take limited resources away from people who really need the test.”

Patients with symptoms will undergo pre-screening and pre-registration by phone, then be directed to the site to undergo nasal swab collection and testing for both COVID-19 and influenza. ETSU Health case managers will then follow-up with the patient. Test results may be available within 72 hours, depending on the volume of tests that the testing lab receives.

“Our goal is to slow down the spread of the coronavirus enough so that we do not overwhelm our health care community, as has been the case in other countries,” Moorman said. “Providing these tests will empower our community with more knowledge – and less panic.”

ETSU Health’s Coronavirus Testing Hotline can be reached at 423-433-6110 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

City Hall and Public Facing Departments Close Locations &

Encourage Online and Phone Options

An update to the city locations and services that have direct interaction with public

KINGSPORT, TN – Within the public facing departments, important services to the citizens of Kingsport will be altered at noon today, March 23, to take precautions with the current COVID-19 pandemic. These alterations are expected to be in place for at least the next 6-8 weeks, to protect both employees and residents.

Kingsport City Hall – Customer Service

The customer service center will close to the public at noon. Please review the changes below.

• For customers who need new service, customer service will work with the customer to get the needed documentation through email and text. Call 423-343-9860.
• Utility payments can be made in person at the Justice Center. Enter through the main entrance, and you will be directed to the correct window.
• Customers have several other options available to pay their utility bills. Kingsport encourages the use of these during this time.
  • Pay online at the city website kingsporttn.gov.
  • Pay over the phone by calling 423-343-9860.
  • Drop box located outside city hall.
  • Mail to PO Box 880, Kingsport, TN 37662 or 225 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660

Improvement Building – Building, Development Services, Code Enforcement

For customers that need permits, inspections, planning and zoning or code enforcement, please follow the guidelines below. All the departments listed below can be found on the city website, kingsporttn.gov.

• For new permits, please call 423-229-9393 or use the online permit application found here.
• For planning and zoning, please call 423-229-9485.
• For code enforcement, please call 423-224-2633.
• For metro planning organization, please call 423-229-9332.
• For public works administration, please call 423-224-2465.

Sullivan County Offices located in City Hall

The offices located in City Hall are the Sullivan County Clerk, Chancery Court and Law Court. For more information, please contact the offices directly.

• Sullivan County Clerk: 423-224-1726
• Chancery Court: 423-224-1790
• Law Court: 423-224-1724

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov/covid-19-response.

Johnson City Public Library Closes Wednesday, March 18 Until Further Notice

JOHNSON CITY – Following guidance from the White House coronavirus task force, Johnson City Public Library will close on Wednesday, March 18 until further notice. This closure includes the cancelation of all events occurring at the Library. The Library is taking this step to ensure the health and safety of its users and employees.

People are encouraged to wait to return library materials until the Library reopens; the due dates of checked-out items will be extended through the closure period and no late fees will be applied. Holds that are placed will be ready for pick-up after the Library reopens. Donations of books and media items will not be accepted until the Library reopens.

The Library’s many online resources, such as ebooks and audiobooks from Tennessee R.E.A.D.S., are always available at www.jcpl.org.

As the coronavirus outbreak develops, stay up to date on the Library’s plans and continue to access its digital resources by visiting www.jcpl.org and following Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

The Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt originally scheduled at Southwestern Baptist Church, 1112 Cherokee Road in Johnson City, has been canceled due to coronavirus. Contact Rebecca at 423-928-5521 for more information and details.

Dear Appalachian Power Customer,

We hope this note finds you and your family safe and well.

At Appalachian Power, we understand the critical nature of the electric service we provide and are committed to the health and safety of our customers, communities, and employees. We prepare for all types of emergencies and have updated our plans for the COVID-19 pandemic. We are closely monitoring the situation and don’t anticipate COVID-19 will disrupt our ability to provide electric service for our customers.

WE HAVE A PLAN

To ensure our ability to continue serving you, we have taken significant steps to keep our employees healthy. Our line workers and other employees critical to maintaining service are working in smaller teams, adjusting work schedules, practicing physical distancing, monitoring themselves for any symptoms and taking other prevention measures recommended by the CDC. All employees who can are working from home to help prevent the spread of the virus.

WE WILL KEEP POWER FLOWING

As state and local governments are moving swiftly to combat the spread of COVID-19, we are working with them to ensure that our essential employees are designated as critical responders and are able to travel as necessary to keep the lights on. We are also working to make sure that equipment suppliers and support industries essential to our business can continue operating.

WE WON’T DISCONNECT YOUR SERVICE 

FOR NON-PAYMENT

Because we know that many people are facing unusual financial hardships, we have temporarily suspended all service disconnections for non-payment. We urge you to try to keep your account current. If you are having trouble paying your bill, you should contact us on 1-800-956-4237, through your AppalachianPower.com account, or through Facebook or Twitter to discuss payment options.

WE ARE PRACTICING PHYSICAL DISTANCING

We have restricted outside visitors to all of our facilities (with the exception of delivery trucks), restricted all business travel that is not business critical, and restricted participation in face-to-face meetings – both internally and hosted by outside groups.

WE ARE STAYING PREPARED 

AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES

This is a rapidly evolving situation. We are continuously educating our employees about COVID-19 and collaborating with other companies in our industry, government experts, and public health agencies to adjust our response. We’re also continually monitoring and working to heighten employee and customer awareness of scams as well as cyber security risks.

We are monitoring any coronavirus tests, diagnoses, and exposures of our employees and their household members, as well as personal international travel and international visitors staying in their homes. Some team members will be asked to self-monitor or self-quarantine depending upon their exposure.

We are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continually reviewing our responses and the guidance we are providing to our employees.

WE’RE HELPING SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

The American Electric Power Foundation is donating $1.5 million toward coronavirus relief, including $288,000 to agencies providing COVID-19 relief efforts across Appalachian Power’s three-state service area.

Thank you for taking time to learn about our response to COVID-19. We appreciate your ongoing trust in Appalachian Power as we work to keep your electric service safe and reliable

Bristol, TN Parks & Rec offering online exercise videos and social media activities while encouraging use of city parks

A series of exercise videos and social media activities designed to keep community members active during the coronavirus outbreak have been introduced by officials from the Bristol, Tennessee Department of Parks and Recreation, along with a reminder that more than 30 scenic city parks remain open to the public.

And while Slater Community Center and the Steele Creek Nature Center are currently closed, all City parks remain open to the public, said Parks & Recreation Director Terry Napier.  Gate fees at Steele Creek Park are currently being waived, allowing the public to enter for free, and Steele Creek Golf Course is operating during regular business hours with standard fees. The only change is that shelter and equipment rentals, including golf carts, have been suspended, he said.

A full list of City parks and the amenities featured at each is available at www.bristoltn.org/parks.

For those with a creative streak, the department recently announced an Easter Egg Art Contest for community members of all ages. To enter, create an egg using the materials and medium of your choice, take a digital photo, and attach the photo to the entry form. Winners in a variety of categories will be awarded prizes bearing the city’s brand logo. Additional details are available at www.bristoltn.org/eggcontest. 

Facebook users are invited to share an uplifting message in sidewalk chalk this weekend through the Chalk the Walk event. You may find details on the City’s website at https://www.facebook.com/CityBristolTN A Quarantine-o-ween event will be announced Sunday on the City’s Facebook page.

For additional information about these and other programs offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation, please call (423) 764-4023.

Postponed: Registration for Summer Program

Kingsport, TN – The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is postponing registration for their summer program due to the current COVID-19 situation.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their child or children should check the parks and recreation website for updates.

If you have any questions, please contact Renee Ensor at 423-224-2489.

For more information, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

City Playgrounds Closing per Safer at Home Order

KINGSPORT, TN – Per the Executive Order from Governor Lee and at the decision of the City of Kingsport officials, playgrounds within the city will begin closing tomorrow, April 1. The playgrounds will be closed until further notice.

City park spaces, including Bays Mountain Park and the Greenbelt, will remain open and residents are encouraged to visit in small groups and continue practicing social distancing.

Kingsport would like to remind all residents to continue to follow the best practices, including washing hands correctly and as often as possible, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, leaving home only for necessary trips and of course practicing social distancing in public spaces.

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov/covid-19-response.

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