To the Citizens of Chester County: While The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Tennessee Department of Public Health and the Chester County Health Department remain ahead of this public health emergency, the County Mayor and The Mayor of Henderson along with the County and City Government are actively working to support their efforts. While there have not been any cases of COVID-19 reported in our area, we are taking steps to protect the health and safety of our employees, especially our first responders who will be depended on if this pandemic should develop in our community. We’ve suspended all unnecessary travel and training, we’re reviewing our leave policies to ensure our sick employees stay home, and we’re quickly adapting to provide services by other means if it becomes necessary.
As much as we know the community depends on our facilities for safety and services, we may have to make some rapid adjustments to our operations should an outbreak of COVID-19 in Chester County occur. This includes cancellation of programs, closure of some facilities to the general public as well as having controlled entrances of our buildings and modified hours to allow for deep cleaning. We will follow the Guidelines issued by the Tennessee Department of Public Health and CDC.
Our employees have all been notified that COVID-19 is our top organizational priority. We will use all of our talent and resources to best support our citizens through this public health emergency.
We need your help containing this. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to follow the Public Health Guidelines:
Cover your cough. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
Don’t shake hands. Avoid unnecessary contact by not shaking hands, hugging or kissing as greetings. Find other, non-contact ways to say hello.
Leave space. Maintain a six-foot radius between yourself and others in public spaces. (Droplets that may carry influenza and COVID-19 can commonly travel up to six feet.)
Think it through. If you would normally reconsider attending an event during flu season, reconsider it now. People over 60 and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions or who are immunocompromised should avoid all large gatherings.
We are in a situation that is new to us as a Country as well as a Government. Information is being relayed daily from the national and state level. The President released new recommendations yesterday of his 15 Day Plan to Stop the Spread. We need to follow this plan in Chester County to prevent and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our area. Below are the recommendations given from the Presidential Directive.
The recommendations are simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health. While the President leads a nationwide response, bringing together government resources and private-sector ingenuity, every American can help slow the virus’ spread and keep our most high-risk populations safe:
Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.
If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung problem—stay home and away from other people.
The President’s guidelines build on the CDC’s general recommendation to help prevent spread of the virus. Americans should continue practicing strict personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time and wiping down surfaces in the home often.
Even if you are young, and otherwise healthy, you are at risk—and your activities can increase the risk of contracting the Coronavirus for others.
Everyone can do their part.
There’s no better way to protect your family and your community than by arming yourself with accurate, up-to-date information.
Check the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Public Health Website on a regular basis for updated information.
Should we have an outbreak of the COVID-19 in Chester County we will try to keep you all informed as much and as rapidly as possible. Check the Chester County Government, the City of Henderson, and the Henderson/Chester County Chamber of Commerce websites for updates.
Remember we are all in this together and with God’s help, this too shall pass.
