KNOXVILLE, TN (April 14, 2021) – As mask mandates are beginning to lift in certain counties and states, the Knoxville‐area’s five local hospital systems emphasize that masks and other facial coverings are still required while at their facilities for all visitors and employees of the health systems. Officials from Blount Memorial Hospital, Covenant Health, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Tennova Healthcare and The University of Tennessee Medical Center all confirmed Wednesday that they are continuing to follow CDC guidelines and their facial covering protocols will remain in place.

Throughout the East Tennessee region COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped significantly since reaching peak levels in December and January. New cases, however, continue to be diagnosed daily in East Tennessee counties.

To best minimize further spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the community, the health systems continue to urge individuals to wear their facial coverings in public and to adhere to the remaining recommendations of the 5 Core Actions agreed to by local health leaders. The actions include washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing, cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly and staying home if you are sick.

In addition, the health systems recommend that everyone over the age of 16 receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently widely available to the public at no charge throughout the region. For more information about the vaccines or to make an appointment, interested individuals can check the social media and websites of each health system and of local health departments.