The City of Bristol, Tennessee is closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. City staff remains in frequent contact with officials from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to receive the latest information and recommendations for minimizing the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus on the Bristol community. Based on guidance received from local public health officials and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain City services may be modified in order to limit the potential for spreading the virus.
- Effective Tuesday, March 17, all Parks and Recreation programming, including senior adult trips, instructor-led classes, and special events, will be canceled until further notice. Efforts will be made to reschedule programming at a later date if possible, and participant fees will be refunded for canceled programs. All City parks and facilities, including the Slater Community Center, will remain open at this time, however anyone who is feeling ill is strongly encouraged to avoid these areas and to stay home.
- The Citizens Police Academy, originally scheduled to being on April 6, has been canceled.
- Driving schools conducted by the Bristol Tennessee Police Department have also been canceled for the remainder of March.
- Bristol, Tennessee Municipal and Juvenile Court judicial proceedings remain suspended through Tuesday, March 31.
Measures are also being taken to ensure that other vital services continue without interruption.
- While there is no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted through potable water, it is critical to maintain a healthy workplace for the continuity of water and wastewater treatment plant operations. Rigorous attention will be placed on the proper cleaning of surfaces and equipment in these areas as prescribed by the CDC. Inventory of water treatment chemicals and supplies will also be maintained at maximum or near maximum levels in the event of unforeseen supply chain issues.
- The Federal Transit Administration has provided guidelines for the safe operation of the public transit system. This includes fixed route buses, para-transit service, and job access programs. Protocols are being followed for disinfecting all vehicles, as it is important to maintain these services as long as possible for those who rely on it for access to needed medical care, food purchases, and transportation to employment.
- Dispatchers are also following contagious disease protocols when dispatching calls to public safety personnel. This information allows BTFD and BTPD personnel to approach any individual with suspected novel coronavirus infection using the proper personal protective equipment and to alert the hospital if a potential COVID-19 patient is being transported. Any equipment or vehicle used in the transport of these patients will be properly decontaminated, and efforts are being undertaken to ensure a sufficient supply of protective equipment for first responders. Officers may also not enter private residences unless necessary to complete a report or gather evidence.
Citizens are reminded to continue doing their part to help prevent the spread of this virus by cleaning their hands often, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, and always covering coughs and sneezes. When possible, social distancing should be practiced to avoid close contact with others, ideally keeping a distance of about 6 feet. To assist with this, the City reminds citizens that they have the option to pay current utility bills and other items either online or by using the drop-off box located outside of City Hall rather than paying in person in the Finance Department. For all payment options, please visit bristoltn.org/paynow. Monthly City Council meetings are also streamed live on the City’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
For ongoing updates regarding the City of Bristol’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, related schedule changes, and up-to-date information from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department and the CDC, please visit bristoltn.org/covid19 or call (423) 989-5500.
