Coronavirus Updates from Haywood County

Being a rural area in these mountain seems to give us some advantage over the spread of viral infections compared to more urban areas.  However, that does not mean that we are not practicing social distancing and washing our hands.  The county fathers and our governor have us under stay at home orders for all but essential health care, public safety personnel, and other essential services such as grocery stores and carry-out restaurants.  We are allowed to go out for food at the grocery stores and at restaurants serving take out or drive-through.

For travelers coming into the area from another county or state the rules are somewhat different.  If you have been gone from the county for 3 days or more, you must call 828-356-2019 when entering the county and register.  You must then self quarantine for 14 days.  By quarantine, I mean you cannot even leave your home to go to the grocery store.  This applies to second home owners returning to their homes here.  So if you do decide to come to your home in Haywood County, you must register with the above number and quarantine for 14 days.  (Bring some groceries!)

Also all hotels, motels, and campgrounds cannot take new guests,  and VRBO rentals are prohibited for less than 15 days.  In other words, if someone comes here from elsewhere, there is no lodging unless they own a home here, or you have rented a VRBO home for 15 days or more, and even then you must call, register, and quarantine.

Some areas have taken this even further.  The Cherokee Reservation has set up roadblocks at all roads entering Cherokee.  If you do not live on the reservation, you cannot enter.  The Cashiers/ Highlands area of Jackson County has similar roadblocks.

Certainly all of these actions might seem somewhat extreme, but we do have an older, more vulnerable population here, as this is a retirement area.

If you have any question feel free to call either Paul at 828-421-3655, or Danny at 828-734-1120.