JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Governor Bill Lee issued a ‘Safer at Home’ order Monday afternoon.  WLAF reached out to Campbell County Mayor E.L. Morton to share his thoughts on the governor’s move.The mayor said, “I am thankful to Governor Lee for ordering the ‘Safer at Home’ measure for Campbell County and all of Tennessee. Having requested the Governor to authorize me to issue a Safer at Home Order yesterday, it is clear that we’ve been heard and we have the order. ”

“This virus (COVID-19) does not move unless we move. I fully support this order and call on all Campbell County residents to stay Safer at Home and reduce their travel within the county, even though the weather is enticing. Our friends and neighbors are depending on us to practice social distancing. Leisure activities only move the virus. Please reduce and postpone travel within the county,” said Mayor Morton.

This measure comes on the heels of President Trump’s social distancing extension to April 30th.  Morton said, “We must observe these measures for the sake of our families, friends, neighbors and our economic future.”

Morton said, “Further, I fully support Governor Lee’s restriction on out of state travelers. Last weekend was an unacceptable situation for Campbell County and I am calling on all campgrounds and marinas to observe this Safer at Home Order to eliminate person to person contact. These economic challenges are so hard, but so necessary for our health and economic future. To all the businesses on the non-essential list, we commit to helping you all that we can. Our Chamber team is available at 423-566-0329 to help you apply for the SBA loans, which are forgivable if you retain your employees for a certain amount of time. Any institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is authorized to loan under this SBA stimulus funding, so call your local bank and check with them as well.”

These measures will certainly reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus.  Mayor Morton said, “I expect to see the bin retailer in Jacksboro cease business under this order, as close out sales do not constitute essential business.  Morton remains in coordination with Governor Lee, Attorney General Jared Effler, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management to ensure we understand and comply with this order to beat this virus.

Thank you in advance to all of Campbell County for taking this step forward against the COVID-19 Coronavirus.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/30/2020-6AM)