Mayor of Hawkins County tests positive for coronavirus

Hawkins County Mayor Jim Lee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mayor Lee addressed his diagnosis in a Facebook post Monday, stating he is continuing to serve the county with remote work. Lee also took the opportunity to implore citizens to take all coronavirus precautions, including wearing a mask in public and staying home as much as possible.

The full text from his Facebook post can be read below:

“I am making this statement to ask everyone to wear a mask when in public. Do this for your family and your loved ones. This is a very dangerous disease. This is not the flu!
I have tested positive for COVID-19 and I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. I am continuing to serve Hawkins County and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.
As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask everyone to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household.
Please remember the family of Jeff Thacker in your thoughts and prayers. Jeff will be truly missed in our county.”

Photo Courtesy: Hawkins County Mayor Official Photo