At this time, Madison County Government along with public health and safety officials are requesting that the use of all short-term rentals be suspended in Madison County for a period of two weeks from the date of this announcement on March 25, 2020.

This action is consistent with actions taken by other communities across the state and nation to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus due to human travel. This request will be re-evaluated and potentially extended at the end of this initial two-week period.

Human travel promotes the spread of this disease and the presence of visitors in Madison County and has the potential to exacerbate the spread of the virus and the anticipated strain on our limited healthcare facilities caused by it. This request is to assist in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in a manner and at a pace that overwhelms the state and Madison County’s ability to respond effectively in the coming days.

We recognize the potential need to allow the use of hotels and other facilities for emergency service workers, essential service works, displaced residents needing shelter, traveler safety, and other response and mitigation efforts related to COVID19 in the coming days and weeks. These uses will be allowed and addressed more specifically in the coming days.

We realize that this request places a burden on the hotel accommodation and short-term rental sector of our economy and do not take making the request lightly, but if left unchecked it increases the potential for infection in our community.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose a looming threat to the health and safety of the people of Madison County. As the situation continues to develop and new cases are reported throughout the state and the Western North Carolina region, our local government continues to be proactive in taking the necessary steps to stem the spread of the disease through all appropriate means.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we stand together to beat this disease.