BREAKING NEWS – Minutes ago, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a “Safer at Home” order for the state for the next two weeks. Executive Order 22 will close non-essential businesses for that time period.

The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020 and lasts through April 14, 2020 during which time only essential businesses are to continue operating and residents are to stay home “as much as possible”

“Citizens need to stay home as much as possible to protect others and try to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Governor Lee.

As of today, state health officials report 1,834 cases and 13 deaths in Tennessee as a result of the coronavirus. At least 148 people are hospitalized.

The Safer-at-Home Order directs residents to remain at home whenever possible. Essential businesses and services can continue including:

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES:

Grocery stores

Restaurant delivery and drive thrus

Airlines, taxis and other private transportation providers

Manufacturing, distribution and supply chain for critical products and industries

Gas stations

Laundromats

Veterinarian offices

Businesses engaged in food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing

Businesses that provide shelter and social services

Hardware and gardening stores

Firearm and ammunition supply stores

Newspaper, television, radio and other media services

Businesses that provide food and shelter

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Fire Rescue

First responders

Law enforcement

Essential federal employees and military personnel

Personnel employed by an entity identified as one of the sixteen critical infrastructure sectors by the Cyber-Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security when pursuing work-related functions, or traveling directly to or from work and their respective residents.

State and local government employees providing services during this state of emergency

School district employees providing services during this state of emergency

Medical and health-related personnel

Mass transit personnel