SEVIER COUNTY COVID-19 Update

Posted 04-20-21.

As the availability of vaccines and the number of Sevier County residents who have been vaccinated both substantially increase, we will no longer be posting COVID-19 updates. The information is still available at https://covid19.tn.gov/data/data-reporting/.

SEVIER COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE 04-15-21

Posted 04-16-21.

From the state health dept.: there are 13,086 confirmed and probable cases, 66,699 negative tests, 12,723 inactive/recoveries, 176 active cases, 276 hospitalizations since the outbreak, and 174 deaths in Sevier County due to COVID-19. For more on state reporting, go to https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/data/data-faqs.html.

Sevier County's facial covering mandate has expired. Persons are still encouraged to wear facial coverings indoors, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently. Businesses may still require facial coverings at their discretion. The City of Sevierville requires facial coverings to enter City government facilities.

Sevier County Facial Covering Mandate Will Not Be Extended

Posted 04-14-21.

NOTE: the following information was provided by Sevier County Government

Sevier County Executive Order 65, which extended the face-covering mandate, will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, and not be renewed.

“Based on our decreasing positivity rate and the increase in vaccine availability, I feel it is an appropriate time to allow the executive order to expire,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “However, people do have to make responsible decisions to keep themselves and others as safe as possible. I encourage everyone to continue wearing face coverings when social distancing is not possible.”

Businesses can still have regulations regarding face coverings. The Tennessee Supreme Court’s order to wear face coverings in certain government buildings will continue to apply, including public areas in the Sevier County Courthouse. Public areas of Sevier County government buildings, including the Sheriff’s office, libraries, and public works, will continue to have a face-covering requirement.

“While the mandate appears to have had a positive impact on COVID-19 in Sevier County, I said from the beginning this was a temporary order,” Waters said. “We urge our citizens and visitors to follow the Tennessee Pledge and CDC guidelines to keep our COVID-19 numbers low.”

“I appreciate the business community, our employees, citizens, and visitors for following the mandate. There are no further restrictions or closures on our local businesses from the state, and Sevier County continues to see excellent tourism numbers.”

The intent of the original mandate, Sevier County Executive Order 23, was to increase the wearing of face coverings to protect the health of residents, visitors, and employees and to ensure the state did not take further measures to disrupt local businesses and the economy.

Sevierville Continues COVID-19 Pandemic Practices at City Government Facilities

Posted 04-14-21.

Sevier County government has announced that the county-wide indoor facial covering mandate will expire at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, April 15. Facial coverings will no longer be required to be worn in businesses. However, businesses may still choose to require facial coverings be worn by customers and employees if desired.

All City facilities are open to the public. The City of Sevierville plans to continue the COVID-19 practices pertaining to City facilities that have been in place since last year. Facial coverings are required to enter all City operated facilities. Temperature checks are also required at some facilities, such as the Community Center and Civic Center. Social distancing is recommended at all facilities as well. City employees will wear facial coverings in public areas.

Additional protocols are in place when participating in activities at the Community Center, including advance reservation requirements and reduced capacities in many programs. Visit seviervilletn.org and choose the Parks and Recreation page/Facilities tab to get more information.

For general pandemic information and current City news and information, visit the City COVID-19 resource page at http://www.seviervilletn.org/covid-19.