Sumner Co., Hendersonville extend declared states of emergency amid COVID-19 pandemic

Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt and Hendersonville Mayor Jaime Clary extended their declared states of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by another week.

Sumner County's state of emergency will remain in effect through April 2. Hendersonville's renewed state of emergency will remain in effect through April 3.

Related: Gallatin proactively proclaims state of emergency in response to coronavirus

Confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 58 in Sumner County as of Friday. The statewide total reached 1,203 Friday, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

"As the previous weeks have shown, the COVID-19 virus has generated a worldwide challenge that we must face in order to protect ourselves, our families and our world," Holt's declaration stated. "It has been our goal in Sumner County, to remain ready and prepared to battle this pandemic and the challenges it has presented.

"Please isolate yourself as much as possible and only buy what is needed," he advised later in the notice.

Related:Sumner County declares a state of emergency, joining others in Tennessee

Clary explained March 20 that the declaration, “is somewhat semantic, allowing the city to take advantage of state and federal relief later,” he said in an email. “I will not immediately be asking for greater authority under the declaration. I will continue to make decisions that are within my regular duties as mayor. Our interim city administrator (Dave LeMarbre) and I communicate almost constantly. We will continue to do that.”

He also asked local restaurants to close dining rooms, instead using carry-out, curbside and delivery services. He encouraged gyms, bowling alleys and children's play places to close.

Because residents are staying home, city officials planned something to look forward to: the Hendersonville Stay at Home Jam, a daily video posted to the Hendersonville Hometown Jam Facebook page around 11 a.m., featuring performances by local residents.

Alderman Scott Sprouse also suggested in a video announcing plans Tuesday noting which local restaurants are offering curbside, delivery and other alternatives to dining in, so they could support the businesses.

Kelly Fisher can be reached at KPFisher@gannett.com, 615-801-3866 or on Twitter at@KellyPFisher.