Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Mayor Brent Greer and City of Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell called a joint meeting this afternoon with city and county officials to discuss Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order #17 issued late Sunday morning in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee.
According to Executive Order #17 beginning 12:01 AM on March 23, Tennesseans should not gather in groups of 10 or more, all restaurants, bars, and similar food or drink establishments, including nightclubs, shall not be open to persons except only to offer drive-through, pickup, carry-out, or delivery service for food or drink.
The Executive Order also asks persons to stay away from nursing homes, retirement homes, or long term care facilities unless to provide essential services or to visit residents receiving imminent end of life care, provided such visits may be accomplished without unreasonable risk to other residents. There are a few more items that can be read in Governor Lee’s press release.
In a joint statement from County Mayor Brent Greer and City of Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, “Henry County and the City of Paris are in support of Governor Lee’s Executive Order #17. We understand this pandemic outbreak continues to impact our city and county and is causing a hardship on our community especially our workforce, however, this is a necessary action to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.”
Henry County Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins, advised the group, “We still have not had a confirmed COVID-19 case in the county, however, it is very likely this will change as more COVID-19 tests are being conducted. Statewide confirmed case total stands at 505. This is why it is important for the public to follow CDC recommendations to limit exposure to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus as much as possible. This continues to be an escalating situation.”
Both Henry County and the City of Paris have recently announced changes at county and city facilities restricting access to the public as precautionary measures for increased safety to employees and to the public. Paris City Manager Kim Foster said, “Government services will continue as normal as possible. Paris residents should not see any disruption of essential services.”
Sheriff Monte Belew and Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo want to reassure the public that law enforcement officers are operating normally and emergency services will continue to operate and respond as needed.
The American Red Cross and Lifeline Blood Services are seeing a shortage of blood donations and officials want the public to know, it is safe to give blood and blood donation sites are exempt from group limits. The collection of blood is an essential service for our community.
For more additional information please contact the Henry County Mayor’s office at 731-642-5212 or Paris City Hall at 731-641-1402.
Photo: County Mayor Brent Greer (at desk) is surrounded by Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo, City Manager Kim Foster, Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, and Sheriff Monte Belew. (Photo by Ron Watkins).