Gov. Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 Thursday afternoon. Lee’s press briefings can be viewed live here and you can visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative action.
The following are key updates provided by Lee, according to a news release from his office:
Unified-Command COVID-19 Testing Strategy
Thanks to strong private sector partners and Unified-Command’s aggressive strategies, Tennessee is quickly approaching a quarter of a million COVID-19 tests conducted across the state.
The Unified-Command Group has focused its testing efforts on Tennessee’s vulnerable populations, committing to targeted testing in the state’s long-term care facilities, veterans’ homes, and correctional facilities. Additionally, Unified-Command is engaging with local leaders in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga to strategize accessible testing events for vulnerable populations in low-income, high-density residential communities.
In addition to these widespread efforts, the Tennessee National Guard will test more than 10,000 personnel by the end of May.
All 95 local county health departments offer free COVID-19 testing five days a week. Find a full list of locations here.
Executive Order No. 34
Lee issued Executive Order No. 34, extending Executive Order No. 16 to allow for government bodies to hold meetings remotely until June 30 to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee.
The full text of the order is available here.
Executive Order No. 35
Lee also issued Executive Order No. 35, amending Executive Order No. 30 to allow for the reopening of small group, non-contact entertainment, and recreational venues according to new Economic Recovery Group guidelines.
The full text of the order is available here.