Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a statewide safer at home order Tuesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the number of cases in the state climbed to 2,389 and 23 deaths related to the virus.
During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Governor Lee said the safer at home order begins at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and restricts businesses that cannot safely operate during the coronavirus outbreak. Those businesses include barber shops, salons, recreational and entertainment outfits. He said these businesses are to remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on April 14. At the same time, he added the order provides for essential businesses to continue in every county in Tennessee. The governor also urged Tennesseans in non-essential roles to stay at home during this time.
Meanwhile, Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts issued an executive order Tuesday tightening restrictions for residents and non-essential businesses in response to the spread of COVID-19.
The mayors signed an order directing residents in Montgomery County to shelter at home, except when engaging in essential activities or essential services, which include healthcare services, utilities, food distribution, gas stations, banking, and media. In addition, all non-essential businesses have been directed to temporarily close to the public.
The order goes into effect Wednesday and continues until April 8, unless the mayors decide to extend it based on the virus outbreak.
