Blog: KPD News & Alerts

KPD statement regarding Executive Order

In an effort to eliminate crowds in public spaces and practice wide-spread social distancing to prevent communal infection of COVID-19, City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon signed an Executive Order into effect on Friday, March 20, closing City of Knoxville restaurants, bars, commercial event centers and gyms effectively at 8 p.m. The Executive Order will remain in effect for two weeks.

Though dining areas will be closed, restaurants and bars will have the ability to serve patrons via delivery or carryout options. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting those restaurants and bars by using either of those options or seeking alternative methods of support, such as purchasing gift cards to use at a later date.

The Knoxville Police Department will be responsible for enforcing the stipulations of the Executive Order and businesses that do not meet those requirements will be subject to citation. KPD officers will act with courtesy, compassion and professionalism in ensuring compliance with the Executive Order, while businesses are asked to act responsibly and respectfully in fulfilling their role of allowing for social distancing and halting communal spread.

The KPD encourages the community to be considerate and kind towards one another throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains a fluid and constantly evolving situation. Citizens are asked to refrain from hoarding essential goods, be reasonable and think about fellow neighbors and community members.

Citizens should continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of the CDC, the Tennessee Department of Health and the Knox County Health Department and refer to those sources for the latest developments regarding COVID-19.

The following steps should be taken to protect yourself and reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19:

- Practice social distancing and avoid close physical contact with others, including shaking hands and hugging. Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and others.

- Wash hands often and thoroughly. Promptly wash hands after coughing, sneezing or physically interacting with others with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth

- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands with soap immediately

- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

- Stay home if you are sick or COVID-19 is spreading in the community

For the most up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 situation, please visit the CDC here. For the situation here in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Department of Health here.

Posted by serland On 20 March, 2020 at 3:57 PM