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'They're really trying to still provide a service' | Mayor Jacobs starts takeout initiative to support local dining

The mayor is encouraging people to dine local every Tuesday and Thursday and use #TakeOutTuesday or #TakeOutThursday to show your support on social media.

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — A new initiative by Knox County mayor Glenn Jacobs is encouraging people to eat out more and support local restaurants. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday, he said to eat local and use #TakeOutTuesday or #TakeOutThursday to show your support on social media. 

You can find a list of restaurants offering to-go services through Visit Knoxville or DowntownKnoxville.org.

"I realize it's a hard time for everybody, but especially hard for small businesses," said Jacobs. "They are the backbone of our economy and are the backbone of our community."

East Tennessee restaurants that are open have had to adapt to carry out or delivery while their tables inside remain empty. 

"I've talked with business owners who, frankly, it'd be cheaper for them to shut their doors, shut their business or go on hiatus for an extended period of time," said Jacobs. 

Instead, he said they've stayed open and he wants people to support them for doing so. 

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"They're really trying to still provide a service while doing so in a safe and responsible manner. I think it's amazing, I think it's awesome," he said. 

If you order take out, the Knox County Health Department recommends continuing to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between you and employees or other customers if you're picking up the food.  

For delivery, most food delivery services have the option to leave the food on your doorstep. 

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The Health Department also said to follow healthy hygiene protocols, like washing your hands before and after you eat. 

"Just be responsible and be cautious," said Jacobs. 

In just over two weeks, more than $12,000 has been raised for Knoxville service industry workers through a GoFundMe.

Mayor Jacobs applauds businesses doing everything they can to help their employees and community.

"That just tells you the community and people we have here," he said.

RELATED: How social distancing can stop the quick spread of COVID-19 infections

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