NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued an executive order Monday "strongly urging" "Safer at Home" guidelines and implementing closures of all non-essential businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the executive order, restrictions are placed on businesses that can't safely operate, including salons, barbershops, recreational and entertainment outlets.
Gov. Lee is asking residents to stay home under his executive order, but not mandating it.
"We need you to do that, to protect the lives of your neighbors and fellow Tennesseans,” Governor Lee said. "Your habits and your routines will make the difference."
These measures go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and lasts through April 14.
As of Monday, Tennessee has more than 1,900 cases and 13 deaths, including several midstate nursing home and retirement home residents, country star Joe Diffie and the brother of Lt. Governor.
This comes after "Safer at Home," state of emergencies, or similar measures have already been set in highly populated areas like Davidson, Sumner, Franklin, Brentwood, Tullahoma and Murfreesboro.
Thousands of Tennessee doctors have been urging Gov. Lee to take shelter at home measures to help fight the spread of COVID-19. However, these same doctors are calling out the newest executive order, saying the measures are "not enough," even questioning "How many deaths will it take for Governor Lee to listen to health experts?"
“This order doesn’t go far enough to save lives and keep Tennesseans in their homes,” Dr. Milstone said. “Gov. Lee’s weak leadership has created confusion, and that in turn is undermining the strong, early steps many of our cities’ mayors took to protect families. Now some Tennesseans are separating from others, but many ARE NOT -- and this means this virus keeps spreading. Urging separation is not enough.”
Here's a breakdown of cases in Tennessee:
COVID-19 Symptoms:
Here are the latest guidelines from the White House on coronavirus:
Health officials said these are the best ways to prevent illnesses from spreading:
For questions or concerns about COVID-19, the Tennessee Department of Health created a patient hotline: 877-857-2945.