Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway has announced the county’s government offices will remain closed Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021 due to ongoing hazardous road conditions. Ridgeway said considering the forecast for more extreme winter weather, it is not looking likely that the county offices will be able reopen the rest of the week.
COVID-19 vaccinations at the Henry Co. Health Department have been suspended for the time being until road conditions improve.
Closings include the Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, Health Dept, Central Community Building, Recycling Center, and the Airport.
Today’s county commission meeting will be held via teleconference at 5PM with a few persons in attendance at the county EMA office on Brewer St.
Ridgeway said, “Henry County is again under a winter storm watch beginning this evening for a winter storm that is looking to produce another 4-8 inches of snow on top of the snow already on the ground. We will monitor weather conditions and hopefully, be able to reopen our offices as quickly and safely as possible this week although it is not looking likely.”
According to County EMA Director Ron Watkins, “The National Weather Service is forecasting 3-5 inches of snow Wednesday night and another 1-3 inches of snow on Thursday with continued frigid temperatures. This will once again make travel hazardous.”
The Inman School Tornado Shelter remains open for persons needing a warm place to go until temperatures rebound hopefully this weekend. Paris Police and Sheriff’s Office personnel are monitoring the shelter while persons are there. The shelter is located at 400 Harrison St, Paris. Anyone needing assistance can call the sheriff’s office at 642-1672.
COVID-19 vaccines have been suspended due to winter weather conditions according to Henry County Health Dept. Director Tracy Byrd, Henry County Health Dept Director.
Byrd said, “The health dept will be contacting persons directly to schedule their appointment as soon as we can reopen vaccination points. Persons who have had to miss an appointment due to weather or persons who are now due for a second dose, will be contacted directly for an appointment as soon as the weather allows us to resume vaccinations.”
Current phase of dispensing includes: Persons 70 years old and older, teachers, first-responders and healthcare workers. Persons who would like to receive their first vaccine dose can schedule an appointment online at https://covid19.tn.gov/