Video #8 Transcript 03/31/2020

Good evening Hamblen County.  Today is March 31, 2020.  We will continue to broadcast throughout the week in an attempt to keep our community informed of important issues within Hamblen County.  As always, you may contact Kellie Smith if you have specific questions or concerns you want the Task Force to answer. 

 

1.         The Hamblen County School Nutrition Program had hoped to deliver lunches to the majority of our students’ homes while we were out of school.  However, the recent declaration of the Governor urging a “stay at home” order is preventing us from accomplishing this mission on a county-wide basis.  However, we still have the option of preparing meals at school and offering curb-side pickup.  Starting April 1, we will prepare meals for students in the community at five locations.  We will have prepare and distribute meals at West High, Fairview, Manley Intermediate, Hillcrest Elementary, and Russeville Intermediate Schools.  Parents may pick up a meal at any of these schools between the hours of 10:00 and 1:00.  In addition, we will attempt to provide some meals to high density areas within our community such as some of our public housing districts and mobile home parks.    We will identify these areas and inform our community of locations and times when we have all of the issues resolved.  We apologize for not being able to continue this program but we need to comply with the governor’s order.  However, we can provide meals to specific locations if there are extenuating circumstances.  You may contact Kellie Smith if you need meals delivered to your home.  We may not be able to accommodate every request but we will do everything within our power to ensure students receive a daily meal.     

 

2.         Per the Governor’s Stay Home Declaration, the county administration has closed the courthouse and justice center to the public. The courthouse and justice center will still be staffed and can help citizens with issues via email or phone.  Administration apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause but we need to keep staff and our community staff.

 

3.         Local medical providers have received an increased number of virus test kits.  In addition, the turn-around time has decreased and health care providers are getting results back quicker.  However, health care facilities will provide clinically appropriate tests to patients who are presenting symptoms as identified by the CDC.  Please understand that not all patients will be tested for COVID-19.  Those tested must be within the parameters and demonstrating symptoms as outlined by the CDC.

 

4.         Many individuals may travel to visit family and friends over Easter.  Travel during this time may significantly increase your chances of infections.  Everyone is encourage to travel only when necessary.  It is also important to understand that you could be the host which would transmit the virus to family and friends.  It is important we understand that our own health is not the only issue in question.  We could adversely impact the health of others by our actions and we should stay at home when possible.  

 

5.         The Hamblen County Health Department is closed to the public.  Individuals needing assistance should contact the Health Department for needed services.  Individuals should not enter the Health Department without an appointment or first contacting the agency.  Again, we apologize for this inconvenience but we must ensure everyone is as safe as possible.