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State of Emergency for Cocke County
Cocke County and Newport officials held a news conference on Wednesday to announce a State of Emergency declared by Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger. "This was not done out of panic or to cause panic. This declaration allows the county the opportunity to qualify for loans and/or grants and to possibly be reimbursed for expenditures related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This declaration also paves the way to allow for local emergency orders, which I have also put into place today. Emergency Order #1 is similar to Governor Lee’s Executive Order, but will allow local enforcement for those not following it. It will go into effect Friday, April 3rd at 5 pm and remain in effect until April 14th at midnight." The mayor stressed that it is not the goal of Cocke County to cite, fine or arrest anyone. "However, the longer people continue to go without complying the farther federal, state and now local governments are going to have to extend it and that is not fair to the businesses that have already been and continue to remain closed. This is not a lockdown or martial law, however, you are safer at home during this time and we ask that you stay at home if you are not out for an essential activity or service. These are difficult times and our normal lives have been disrupted. There is no silver bullet or magic wand that our government can utilize to end the COVID-19 outbreak. We cannot govern our lives back to normal, but we can each, individually, take responsibility for our actions." The order prohibits; - The social gathering of more than 10 people. - Visits to nursing homes except to provide essential assistance. - Operation of Businesses that do not provide essential services. - Employers from requiring workers, who test positive for COVID 19, to go to work. - And workers are encouraged to work at home when possible. Newport Mayor Roland "Trey" Dykes said the country is undergoing a new experience and "we want everyone to stay safe and all of our citizens can do the best they can during this ordeal. The policies and procedures that we are planning to put in place are things we need to accomplish because it will help to save lives. The policies are significant but they are designed to keep everybody safe and healthy." Suggesting that everyone has a part to play in controlling the pandemic, Newport Chief of Police Maurice Shults said the directive will give local law enforcement authority to write citations to non-essential businesses that do not close their doors and to residents that violate the order. Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes thanked the local residents who have followed the "Stay at Home" directive of Governor Lee. "The move is aimed at the well being and safety of local residents," the sheriff said. Chief Deputy Derrick Woods speaking on behalf of all the officeholders in the courthouse, said both the courthouse and the courthouse annex will be closed to the public except for Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 14. He said there will be exceptions in the case of emergencies. The Tennessee Department of Health on Wednesday said the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in Tennessee has reached 2,683, with 24 deaths, however 137 of those who tested positive, have recovered. Local confirmed cases are; Cocke County 1, Jefferson 6, Greene 15, Hamblen 3 and Sevier 9.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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