WAITING ON A COVID-19 TEST RESULT
In order to protect others from potential exposure to COVID-19, the Knox County Health Department requests that you self-isolate until you've received confirmation that your test is negative.
HOW TO HOST A SAFE BACKYARD COOKOUT
Send out an invitation and set expectations.
• Remind guests who may have been recently ill to stay at home.
• Be upfront and let guests know to bring and wear a facial covering.
• Keep track of all who attend. This can be helpful for contact tracing, should the need arise
• Encourage guests to wash their hands before and after eating; provide hand sanitizing stations.
Ask guests to bring their own grill foods and buns to reduce risk of food contamination.
• When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don't shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.
• Sanitize all surfaces. Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. People from the same household can be in groups together and don't need to be 6 feet apart - just 6 feet away from other families.
If planning activities, consider those where social distancing can be maintained, like Frisbee, cornhole or badminton.
Source: CDC
KEEP PRACTICING THESE 5 CORE ACTIONS AND HELP KNOXVILLE STAY OPEN FOR BUSINESS
| • Practice Physical Distancing |
• Wear Cloth Face Coverings |
• Practice Proper Handwashing |
| • Clean / Sanitize Surfaces |
• Stay Home if You’re Sick |
|
WE CAN DO THIS KNOXVILLE!
MYTHS VS. FACTS ABOUT MASKS
SHOW US YOUR MASK
POEM BY POET LAUREATE MARILYN KALLET
Friends Wear Masks!
“Excuse me,” the moose tapped the goose,
“Why aren’t you wearing a mask?”
“Why do you ask?” replied the goose.
“Because these are scary times, bad germs
on the loose. So we protect each other
by covering our noses and mouths.”
“But I’ll look ugly,” said the goose.
“No, you’ll look like you’re ready
for a costume party,” said the moose.
“Your eyes are your best feature,
my friend!” But the goose was
clueless. “Real men don’t wear masks,”
he said. “They should,” said the moose.
“Germs don’t care who’s ripped, who’s
Dem or GOP. Real men protect their
fams, and we are one people, we are kin.
“Do it for me!” begged the moose,
“Or you will be a silly, sickly goose.”
“Okay, okay,” said the goose, “for you,
I’ll cover my nose and mouth.
Because we’re pals. And though
we’re different, we both
love Knoxville, that’s the truth!”
“Thank you,” said the moose, to his
healthy, wise friend. They stayed
buddies to the long-lived end!
STAY SAFE IN 8
Follow these eight steps and help Knoxville fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Stay at Home - Leave home only for essentials, like groceries and pharmacy items, once a week.
• Stay Healthy & Active - Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and keep moving with regular walks, at-home exercise videos, online classes, etc.
• Wash Hands & Surfaces - Using soap and warm water, wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Frequently clean and disinfect regularly used surfaces.
• Avoid Crowds & Gatherings - During essential trips or outdoor exercise, practice social distancing by maintaining six feet between you and others at all times.
• Know When to Seek Care - If you feel sick, call your healthcare provider or a local clinic to receive guidance before going to the doctor.
• Look for Support - If you've lost your job due to the pandemic, visit our
COVID-19 Resources For Financial Help page.
• Support Others - Reach out to friends and family. Donate to local charities helping the vulnerable residents in our community.
• Report Non-Compliance - If you see individuals or nonessential businesses not complying with the Safer At Home Order, call 311 or email
[email protected].
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESSES PRACTICING SAFE GUIDELINES
• Consider limiting the amount of customers allowed inside. Encourage customers to use online ordering and pick up services.
• Businesses should consider placing markings on floors to guide shoppers on proper safe social distancing guidelines.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water and disinfect grocery carts before and after use.
• Keep 6 ft (2 meters) away from other customers and employees
• Supermarkets and Big Box stores should consider making frequent announcements to maintain proper social distance
QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFER AT HOME?
Call 311 (215-4311)
To ask questions about Knox County Health Department's Safer at Home Order
Call 311 (215-4311)
To report a business located in Knoxville city limits not complying with the order
KNOX COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES SAFER AT HOME ORDER
On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Knox County Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan issued an order closing non-essential businesses and encouraging residents throughout Knox County to stay home when possible and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people for non-essential purposes.
Until further notice, all businesses not performing essential services have been ordered closed for 14 days beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24. A copy of the order and a complete list of essential service categories can be found at
https://covid.knoxcountytn.gov/safer-at-home.html.
View Press Release
View Knox County Safer at Home Order [PDF]
View Safer at Home FAQs [PDF]
MAYOR KINCANNON ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order Friday, March 20, 2020 to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues amid growing concerns over COVID-19. The order will allow restaurants and bars to offer delivery and take-out service.
Mayor Kincannon said, “Many people in our community will be returning from spring break trips to areas with community spread of COVID-19. I feel it is my responsibility to take all the preventative measures possible to reduce the health impacts in the City of Knoxville.”
View Press Release
View Emergency Executive Order [PDF]
En español [PDF]
WORRIED ABOUT PAYING YOUR HOME RELATED BILLS BECAUSE OF COVID-19?
THERE IS HELP:
• The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development announced a moratorium on foreclosure and evictions of single-family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages
www.hud.gov
• KUB customers won't be disconnected for lack of payment
www.kub.org
• Some banks and mortgage lenders (and credit card companies) are offering hardship programs or payment forbearance; call yours to ask about options
www.bankrate.com
• Call East Tennessee's 211 (865-215-4211) for additional resources related to housing and utility needs
www.tn211.mycommunitypt.com
COVID-19 SOCIAL SERVICE RESOURCES
Do you need financial assistance amid the COVID-19 pandemic? There is help available.
• For housing, food insecurity, employment and other issues:
www.tn211.mycommunitypt.com
• For information on federal COVID-19 assistance laws:
www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
• For file for re-employment assistance in Tennessee:
www.jobs4tn.gov/vosnet
• For information on KUB's COVID-19 utility response:
www.kub.org
• Support for artists and culture workers:
www.knoxalliance.com/grace
• Support for bartenders:
www.usbqfoundation.org/beap
CORONAVIRUS MYTH-BUSTERS
• Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
NO - Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria
• Can the new coronavirus be transmitted through mosquito bites?
NO - As of this date, no evidence supports that the coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquito bites
• Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
NO - Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth).
• Can taking a hot bath prevent you from getting the new coronavirus?
NO - Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently washing your hands. By doing this, you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Source: WHO (World Health Organization)
SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES
As of March 23, 2020
How to do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Knoxville.
Social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people in order to slow the spread of infections or diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large group gatherings, closing buildings and cancelling events. Remember to keep 6 feet away from others in public places.
Avoid
• Group gatherings
• Playdates
• Sleepovers
• Concerts
• Theater outings
• Athletic events
• Crowded retail stores
• Malls
• Group workout classes in gyms
• Dine in eating at restaurants
Use Caution
• Visiting the grocery store or pharmacy
• Group activities outdoors
• Public travel
Safe to Do
• Go for a walk or hike
• Doing yard work and gardening
• Cleaning out a closet
• Reading
• Listening to music
• Cooking and baking
• Exercise at Home
• Staying in touch with friends and family via video chats
GROCERY STORES ARE CONTINUALLY RESTOCKING
As of March 23, 2020
• Keep calm, buy what you need and practice social distancing
(six feet from other customers and store staff) while you shop.
• Be aware that stores may apply purchase limits on some key
items to allow more customers to get what they need.
RETURNING FROM SPRING BREAK?
As of March 23, 2020
• Keep yourself, your family, friends and the entire community safe.
• Take extra care to practice social distancing, avoid crowds and close contact with others, wash hands frequently, and monitor the health of all travelers for 14 days after returning home from any long distance trip.
• If returning from an area with widespread or ongoing COVID-19 transmission, stay home in self-quarantine for 14 days after returning.
• If anyone who went on the trip gets sick with a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), cough or has trouble breathing, seek medical attention, Call ahead before you go to a doctor's office, tell your doctor about your travel plans, and avoid contact with others.
• Specific guidelines on travel are available at
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html
COVID-19 PREVENTION GUIDELINES
As of March 23, 2020
Do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Knoxville.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose,
coughing, or sneezing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use
the inside of your elbow. IMMEDIATELY throw used tissues in the trash.
• Avoid crowds. Practice social distancing guidelines and separate yourself
from others by 6 feet when in public places.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you are sick, stay home and CALL your doctor before seeking treatment at a
medical office or hospital. Isolate yourself to a specific “sick room” and use a
separate bathroom if one is available.