DeKalb County has seven recorded cases of Covid-19 as of press time. Some did not seem to heed the “Safer at Home” order by the governor, but now he has mandated everyone stay at home.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 23, on Thursday, requiring that Tennesseans stay home unless they are carrying out essential activities as data shows an increase in citizen movement across the state.
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home,” said Gov. Lee. “However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down. I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless they are carrying out essential activities.” Data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation analyzed traffic patterns for March 2020. While safer at home measures and further restrictions on businesses showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement from March 13-29, data beginning on March 30 indicates travel is trending upwards, again. The Administration also analyzed data from Unacast to understand cell phone mobility and determine movement trends among people. Unacast indicates the movement of Tennesseans is trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels. “The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee.
“Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.”
The executive order remains in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Essential businesses include:
- Federal and state offices and services, including post offices and airports
- Essential government operations, such as law enforcement, transport and businesses that provide government programs and services
- Food and beverage: grocery and beverage stores, farmers markets, food banks, catering, convenience stores selling food, agriculture, food processing, feed mills and other businesses supporting the food supply
- Health care, mental and behavioral health, and biomedical research and businesses that support the healthcare industry, including health information technology
- Infrastructure operations, such as construction on hospitals, essential services and housing, building management and maintenance, and road work
- Sanitation and waste removal businesses and services
- Energy, water and sewage businesses and services
- Critical trades such as plumbing, HVAC, moving and relocation, and pest control
- Pharmacies and medical supply businesses, other businesses that directly support the drug and medical supply pipeline
- Vehicle fuel, support, service stations and businesses
- Banks, savings and loans, insurance companies and other businesses that directly support the financial sector
- Legal and judicial services, accounting, insurance and real estate
- Media, including newspapers, books, television, radio and other media services related to supply chain operations
- Home and business repair, hardware supply
- Transportation services, such as ride-share services, taxis, vehicle rental, and other essential public and private transportation necessary for essential activities
- Laundromats, dry cleaners, and industrial laundry services
- Warehousing and storage
- Manufacturing, distribution, and those essential for supply chain operations
- Daycare and childcare business will remain open but will prioritize children of parents working in essential services
- Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and those with disabilities
- Hotels and commercial lodges will remain open specifically for lodging but will end entertainment or dining services in restaurants or group settings
- Housing and rental services may continue, but agents should practice social distancing, hold no open houses or gather in groups larger than 10
- Residential facilities, shelters, charitable and social services, such as those who provide necessities for the economically disadvantaged and others in need
- Religious and ceremonial functions such as weddings and funerals, provided they are following social distancing and health guidelines 'to the greatest extent practicable.' Churches are recommended to conduct regular services and gatherings online
