Media Contacts: Blount County Government - Amy Cowden, Executive Assistant to the Mayor 865-273-5700
City of Alcoa - Patricia Tipton, Public Information Officer & Special Projects 865-380-4787
City of Maryville - Jane Groff, Administrative Services Director 865-273-3406
Blount County Intergovernmental Public Advisory
Governor’s extends Orders to Stay Home through April 30
Executive Order 27
April 14, 2020
Blount County, Tennessee – On April 13, 2020, Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order No. 27 amending the previously issued Executive Orders 17, 21, 22 and 23, extending the stay at home orders through April 30, 2020.
Governor Lee announced the development of the Economic Recovery Group to focus on a phased reboot of the state economy. The group will be led by Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell and will work in coordination with legislative leadership, local mayors, health care professionals, and representatives of impacted industries. The Economic Recovery Group will issue industry-specific guidance so that businesses can be prepared to operate safely and protect their employees and customers.
By formalizing an economic recovery specific group, this will ensure the Governor’s Unified Command Group will continue their focused efforts of disease management, improving hospital and testing capacity, and increasing our PPE supply chain. The Unified Command Group will also be making recommendations to Governor Lee about when and how to begin the phased-in reopening of the economy.
As Mayors, we are thankful for the citizens and business owners throughout the County and in our respective municipalities. We know the Governor’s Orders have required that we all take difficult measures to ensure the well-being and health of our community, and have caused great hardship to our local businesses, churches, and families.
We want our citizens to know we are here for them and we will continue to work together to support each other. We will continue to direct our citizens to resources for assistance as they become available. As the economic plan for the State develops, we will communicate the details of the plan and how it impacts Blount County. These unprecedented times have required great sacrifices and we look forward to re-opening our local economy in a safe and effective manner. Blount County is loving and strong and we will overcome any obstacles together.
The fluid nature of the COVID-19 crisis requires the need to re-evaluate constantly. More information will be available as it progresses. To help keep our community informed, this site has been established for the public to find contact information for local governments, schools and public facilities. News and information will also be distributed through our local media outlets.