Local Northeast TN mayors warn in letter of potential catastrophic effects for region if pandemic does not come under control

A letter from six Northeast TN mayors are urging their local communities to help control the spread of COVID-19.

A published letter from the mayors of Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties addressed the recent surge of cases and hospitalizations, which highlighted the strain that regional health care provider Ballad Health is under because of this, saying no health system is capable of caring for a limitless number of patients.

The letter also outlined a grim but clear warning, that if the region doesn’t come together now to curb the spread, the area could suffer devastating and catastrophic outcomes. The letter encourages the community to continue following proper health guidelines like wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, constant hygiene, and isolate and get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.