It seems that all anyone is talking about is the COVID-19 outbreak. The novel coronavirus has impacted our daily lives on an unanticipated scale. The CDC has urged people to avoid gatherings larger than 50 people. Restaurants across the country are closing their dining rooms to avoid the spread of the disease. In-person court proceedings in the state of Tennessee have been suspended for the rest of the month. As a result, we are adapting our operations to fit the needs of new and existing clients.
At Held Law Firm, we prioritize the health of our staff and clientele. Therefore, we are shifting to primarily remote work, with intake specialist Kaelynn Stewart fielding and directing all calls. Though we will still be available for in-person consults, we suggest that potential clients schedule a phone or video consult as a way to limit potential exposure to the virus. At this time, we urge existing clients to communicate via email, as it is A) more cost-effective for the client, and B) more likely to receive a timely response. To make payments, call us at 865-637-6550 to pay via credit or debit card, or mail a check to our address.
We are doing everything in our power to eliminate the risk faced by clients and staff at Held Law Firm. In terms of how you can help combat COVID-19 in your own home, you can find instructions below.
From the CDC’s website:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.