Tuesday afternoon May 5
Strategic Partnerships for Essential Supplies and Services
Today, Unified-Command announced two strategic partnerships with Renfro, Corp. and Battelle to aid in Tennessee's COVID-19 re-opening efforts and to ensure Tennessee households and health care workers have access to critical personal protective equipment.
Renfro, Corp, a global sock brand company, headquartered in Mount Airy, N.C., with a manufacturing and distribution operation in Cleveland, Tenn., will work with the Unified-Command Group to make free reusable cloth face masks available to as many Tennesseans as possible. Unified-Command is supplying the first 300,000 Renfro masks, based on population, to all 95 of Tennessee's county and municipal health departments this week. The local county health departments will serve as a convenient pickup location for local residents in need of a mask. A full list of local health departments is available here.
Battelle, a global research and development company in Columbus, Ohio, will work with Unified-Command to provide a free N95 mask decontamination service to Tennessee's front-line health care workers. Battelle will locate one of 60 nationally deployed decontamination systems in Jackson, Tenn., as part of an effort to bring down the costs, and increase the availability of, N95 masks for health care providers.
More information about the Battelle decontamination system is available here, and more information on Unified-Command's new strategic partnerships is available here.
Touchless Thermometers
As businesses in 89 of Tennessee's 95 counties prepare to implement guidelines for safe reopen and operation, the Economic Recovery Group has secured special pricing on Touchless Thermometers for the state's restaurant, retail, and close contact businesses.
Starting today, Tennessee-based business owners will have the ability to order this critical piece of equipment through Friday at 4 p.m. CT (or until supplies last). More information on how to secure no-touch infrared thermometers is available here.
Tennessee Pledge: Next Steps for Small Group Recreation
Tomorrow, the Economic Recovery Group will issue guidance for Tennessee's small group recreation businesses to begin a safe reopening starting Friday, May 8. The group will also issue guidance for businesses that have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as offices, manufacturing, and construction industries that require critical supplies to safely operate.
Access up-to-date guidance from Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group:
- Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
- Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Exercise Facility Guidance can be accessed here.
- Close Contact Guidance can be accessed here.
Additional information on Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Executive Order No. 33
Today, Governor Lee issued Executive Order No. 33, amending Executive Order No. 30 to allow the safe reopening of close contact services. The full text of the order is available here.
Unified-Command Group's Total Expanded Testing Efforts Exceed 23,000
This week, Governor Lee announced that 23,000+ Tennesseans have received a free COVID-19 test at 67 drive-through sites over the past three weekends, as part of Unified-Command Group's efforts to reduce barriers and widen access to testing for all Tennesseans regardless of traditional symptoms.
In addition to weekend testing events, all local county health departments in Tennessee offer free COVID-19 testing five days a week. A full list of sites is available here.
A full weekend snapshot of Unified-Command's expanded testing is available here.
Dental Procedures Resume
The State of Tennessee has worked directly with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and consulted guidelines set by the American Dental Association to allow dental procedures to safely resume on Wednesday, May 6.
Small and Rural Hospital Grants
In April, Governor Lee announced the State of Tennessee will allocate $10 million in Small and Rural Hospital Readiness Grants to support hospitals that are facing financial strain due to the ongoing response to COVID-19.
The following hospitals will receive funding:
- Macon County Hospital
- Rhea County Hospital
- Maury Regional Hospital
- Henry County Medical Center
- Houston County Community Hospital
Friday afternoon May 1
Mass COVID-19 Testing of Tennessee's Prison Population
Unified Command Group announced all Tennessee Department of Correction inmates will be testing for COVID-19 beginning next week. The announcement follows results from Trousdale Turner Correctional Center where 1,224 inmates and 22 staff tested positive.
TDOC and TDH analysis of the test results confirm 98 percent of those who tested positive are asymptomatic.
Of the 1,156 new positive cases confirmed statewide today, 897 are from Trousdale Turner.
The statewide mass testing initiative follows additional, targeted facility testing TDOC conducted at the Bledsoe County and Northwest Correctional Complexes on April 10, and at the Turney Center Industrial Complex on April 19.
More information is available here.
Guidance on Reopening Houses of Worship
The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives released guidance for faith communities on gathering together in houses of worship.
The full guidelines can be found here and include:
- A phased approach to resuming in-person gatherings is recommended. Vulnerable populations (everyone 65 years and older, people with disabilities, people with serious respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, people who are immunocompromised, and others) and children's activities/nursery programs should not gather in person until a later time;
- Consider solutions to minimize close personal contact that may be part of your services, such as handshakes or sharing food and drink;
- As the phased approach begins, limit the size of attendance in your sanctuary and other confined spaces to create seating arrangements that provide at least 6-foot distancing between families. It is recommended not to exceed 50% of maximum capacity of the room and should enable full compliance with CDC recommendations for social distancing and hygiene;
- Wear face coverings;
- Encourage members of the community to stay at home if they are symptomatic, have a fever, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or have traveled internationally or to a domestic hot spot in the past two weeks;
- If a member of the congregation has tested positive for COVID-19, consult CDC guidelines and local health department recommendations to determine whether in-person gatherings should cease immediately, the building should close for additional cleaning, or other protocol changes are required.
Executive Order No. 32
Gov. Lee issued Executive Order No. 32 to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and provide relief for Tennesseans amid this pandemic. The order:
- Waives the fee for obtaining copies of business entity filings from the Secretary of State's Office when such documents are needed to seek relief under a state or federal program;
- Extends the price gouging law for another 15-day period (the maximum allowed under law);
- Allows reimbursement for physical, occupational, and speech therapy via telemedicine for workers' compensation recipients;
- Allows for discretion to utilize National Guard members in connection with TDOC operations or security if necessary, subject to certain conditions, including receiving prior TDOC-related training;
- Grants flexibility to the Commissioner of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with respect to hiring requirements made difficult by COVID-19 if needed to maintain service levels for persons supported by the Department;
- Allows corporations to conduct remote shareholder meetings, as long as they meet certain requirements to ensure they adequately allow for shareholder participation;
- Extends deadline for qualified TNInvestcos to file annual audited financial statements with the Department of Economic and Community Development.
Full text of the order is available here.
Department of Labor and Workforce Development Update
As of Friday May 1, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported the payment of more than $350 million in unemployment benefits for more than 300,000 claims, including more than 40,000 for the self-employed.
More information on unemployment is available here.
Expanded Testing Continues This Weekend (May 2-3)
Expanded testing continues this weekend (May 2-3) for all Tennesseans regardless of symptoms with new drive-through sites available across each Grand Division. These pop-up sites can be found here.
Tennesseans can get a test five days a week at county health departments -- a full list of sites is available here, and additional information on Tennessee's aggressive testing push is available here
Thursday afternoon April 30
Key Updates
White House Press Briefing: Protecting America's Seniors
Today, Governor Lee joined President Trump for a White House Briefing on protecting America's seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch Governor Lee's remarks here and watch the full White House briefing here. Governor Lee's remarks prepared for delivery are available here.
The Tennessee Pledge: Close Contact Business Guidance
Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group released guidance for close contact services today, enabling over 38,000 workers to resume business at limited capacity in 89 of the state's 95 counties on Wednesday, May 6.
This guidance applies to personal services including barbershops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail spas, massage therapy services and substantially similar businesses that require prolonged close contact with customers.
The full guidelines are posted online at TNPledge.com and include:
Business Process Adaptations
- Limit the number of customers to 50% of fire code capacity, and practice strict social distancing between customers
- Services will be offered by appointment only; no walk-ins
- Make appropriate physical modifications to accommodate social distancing. Workstations should be at least 6 feet apart, with additional measures taken as necessary to ensure that all people stay 6 feet apart at all times except for the staff providing a service to their client; physical barriers to be used where necessary
- Prohibit use of waiting areas (e.g., could adopt such practices as notifying customers by call or text message) or serenity lounges; limit use of other common areas by multiple people at one time (e.g., elevators, breakrooms, etc.)
- Ensure thorough workstation and equipment disinfection after each customer (i.e. sanitize all equipment, instruments, capes, smocks, linens, chairs and work area); alternatively, utilize single-use or disposable items
- Implement enhanced sanitization of commonly touched surfaces and equipment (i.e., at least every two hours and when visibly soiled), using CDC recommended sanitizers and disinfecting protocols
- Discard any single-use tools (e.g., files, buffers, neck strips) immediately after use
- Daily deep cleaning and sanitization to be completed for high-touch areas (tanning beds, massage tables, salon chairs, etc.)
- Use appropriate temperatures for washers and dryers to ensure thorough sanitization of towels, linens, etc.
- Do not allow non-customer companions to accompany customer during a service
- Do not allow group or communal settings for close contact personal services (e.g., couples' massages, salt rooms, saunas, pools)
Consumer Protection
- Services that require removing face coverings (e.g., beard shaving/trimming, facials, etc.) are not permitted in Phase 1
- Do not offer any self-serve food or beverages. Temporarily close water fountains. Encourage users to provide their own water
- Prohibit congregating in break rooms, check-in counters
- Customers should wear a cloth face covering at all times while in the premises (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and as recommended by the CDC and executive order of the governor. Use other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC
- For massage, prone positions could be uncomfortable or dangerous for clients who are wearing face coverings. Accordingly, massage professionals may consider other appropriate precautions such as draping a client's head and face cradle cover with a thin cotton pillowcase. Otherwise, a face covering should be worn during portions of treatment in which the client is not prone or facedown
- Screen customers for illness upon their entry into the premises
Employee Protection
- Screen and temperature-check all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms
- Employees should increase hygiene practices--wash hands more frequently, avoid touching face, practice good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Change any protective garments on a regular basis and sanitize reusable garments such as aprons or smocks at least once per day.
- Employees should wear a cloth face covering (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC; if masks become wet or visibly dirty, the mask should be replaced
- All employees should wash hands between serving each customer, and more frequently as necessary. If appropriate for the service provided, gloves are recommended and should be discarded after each customer. The use of gloves should not be considered a replacement for frequent handwashing
- Perform regular disinfection of high-touch surface areas (e.g., door handles, counter space, light switches, tools and instruments) at least every two hours and when visibly dirty
Access up-to-date guidance from Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group:
- Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
- Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Exercise Facility Guidance can be accessed here.
- Close Contact Guidance can be accessed here.
Additional information on Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Elective Procedures Resume May 1
The Lee Administration has been working directly with the Tennessee Medical Association on the expiration of Executive Order No. 25, which assisted efforts to gain critical PPE for our front-line health care workers by halting non-essential medical procedures. The order expired on April 30, allowing elective and non-urgent procedures to resume safely starting May 1.
More information from the Tennessee Medical Association is available here.
Wednesday afternoon April 29
Widespread COVID-19 Testing Efforts
President Trump announced this week that states should move to test 2% of their population each month. With almost 170,000 residents tested already, Tennessee has met this goal for April and is looking to continue that progress through May.
Unified-Command Group is increasing testing of vulnerable populations in the coming weeks, including widespread testing of all long-term care facilities in Tennessee (more than 700 facilities and 70,000 residents) and additional testing sites in minority communities. The State of Tennessee has partnered with National Health Care Corporation to test all residents and staff within their 38 Tennessee facilities.
Expanded testing continues this weekend (May 2-3) for all Tennesseans regardless of symptoms with new drive-through sites available across each Grand Division. Sites for this can be found here.
Tennesseans can get a test five days a week at county health departments -- a full list of sites is available here, and additional information on Tennessee's aggressive testing push is available here.
Executive Order No. 31
Today, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order 31 to extend the prohibition of non-emergency dental services to Wednesday, May 6, to allow more needed time for the Tennessee Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Hygienist Association, and the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to are continue their work on guidance for safe reopening and practice.
The full text of Executive Order No. 31 can be found here.
Tennessee Pledge: Next Steps for Close Contact Services
Gov. Lee announced that close contact services, such as salons and barbershops, in 89 of Tennessee's 95 counties will be able to reopen at limited capacity on May 6. Our Economic Recovery Group will release industry-specific guidance for those businesses before the end of this week.
Access up-to-date guidance from the Tennessee Economic Recovery Group:
- Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
- Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Exercise Facility Guidance can be accessed here.
Tuesday afternoon April 28
Executive Order 30
Executive Order 30 supersedes and repeals Executive Order Nos. 17, 21, 22, 23, 27, and 29, effective Wednesday, April 29, but does not affect Executive Order No. 25 concerning dental and medical procedures, which is currently effective until April 30.
- The order allows Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible.
- Tennesseans are urged to continue limiting activity and staying home as much as possible to preserve and build on the health progress we've made.
- All employers and businesses that choose to open are expected to comply with the Governor's Economic Recovery Group (ERG) Guidelines for operating safely, as well as general health guidelines from the CDC and other government entities.
- Social and recreational gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including but not limited to festivals, fairs, parades, youth and adult sporting events, and overnight summer youth camps.
- This does not cover places of worship, for which there will be guidelines for safe operation of worship services and gatherings if in-person services are conducted, but the order strongly encourages places of worship to continue virtual or online services where possible.
- This does not prohibit weddings and funerals, but encourages postponement of large-gathering components of such events.
- Entertainment and recreational gathering venues must remain closed to the public for now, including, but not limited to, bars, night clubs, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, concert and sporting event venues, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, racetracks, indoor children's play areas, adult entertainment venues, amusement parks, senior centers, and skating rinks.
- Limited service restaurants can serve food to customers seated at tables but must follow the ERG Guidelines for restaurants in doing so.
- Close-contact personal service businesses must remain closed to the public for now, including, but not limited to, barber shops, salons, spas, body-art/tattoo services, tanning salons, and massage facilities.
- Nursing homes and similar retirement and long-term-care facilities must remain closed to visitors, except for critical assistance and in end-of-life situations.
- Persons and businesses are urged to take special care to protect and provide for the well-being of vulnerable populations, including by offering delivery or special shopping hours if possible.
- Persons with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms are required to stay at home, and employers may not require or allow employees with COVID-19 to work.
- Persons are urged to wear a cloth face covering in places where in close proximity to others, especially where social distancing is difficult.
- Take-out and delivery alcohol sales by restaurants will continue to be allowed to encourage customers to utilize take-out or delivery options.
- Local orders regarding medical or dental procedures are prohibited because preserving PPE is a question that is statewide in scale and shouldn't be addressed differently in each county.
- For the 89 counties without a locally run county health department (all but Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan), this order supersedes any contrary orders or measures, meaning that the counties cannot issue independent orders regarding the opening, closure, or operation of businesses, organizations, or venues covered by this order, though counties may continue issuing or enforcing orders or measures on other matters related to COVID-19, such as opening or closure of their governmental buildings, governing their employees, or dealing with the operation of their local government.
- The county health departments in the 6 counties with locally run county health departments (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan) shall have authority to issue orders or measures that permit or restrict to a different degree than this order the opening, closure, or operation of businesses, organizations, or venues, except for places of worship. Otherwise, this order governs on the topics it covers.
Read the full text of the order here.
The Tennessee Pledge: Exercise Facility Guidance
Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group announced guidance today for gyms and exercise facilities on how to reopen safely. Gyms will be allowed to reopen in 89 of the state's 95 counties beginning Friday, May 1. The counties excluded are those with locally-run health departments: Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan.
In addition to strict adherence to CDC guidelines, the State recommends gyms, fitness/exercise facilities, or substantially similar facilities and activities put into place an assortment of measures to protect consumers and employees, including:
Business Process Adaptations
- Restrict facility access to staffed hours only (i.e., any unmanned facilities must be manned) and limit facility occupancy to 50 percent of capacity as dictated by fire code (as such capacity is adjusted in consideration of closed areas of the facility pursuant to these guidelines);
- Mitigate exposure in the workplace by implementing social distancing guidelines and modify scheduling;
- Staff to conduct regular (i.e., every 2 hours) disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, equipment and common areas of the facility using disinfectant cleaning supplies according to CDC guidelines;
- Close showers, locker rooms, and lockers until further notice. Ask customers to instead use small gym bags to store personal belongings; remind customers to appropriately monitor or secure such personal belongs or provide a secure area monitored by staff;
- Close all swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and other recreational water or spa facilities;
- Close all basketball courts, racquetball courts, and other places where formal and informal group or team sports may occur;
- Any youth or adult team leagues or sports should remain closed;
- Only allow group fitness classes if classes can be completed in accordance with social distancing recommendations (including but not limited to: less than 50% capacity and with more than 6 feet of distance maintained between participants at all times; no shared equipment during the class; sufficiently adjusted class schedules to allow for deep cleaning between classes; martial arts and other contact activities should be completed without any person-to-person contact);
- Encourage all employees and customers to wear PPE where applicable, and recommend that customers wear a face covering (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers);
- Adjust equipment layout and close or restrict access to equipment to maintain at least six feet of distance between equipment;
- Temporarily close water fountains, common areas, break rooms, check-in counters, where customers or employees may congregate. Encourage users to provide their own water;
- No self-service options (coffee bars, smoothie stations and other forms of communal food in facilities). Food retail should follow restaurant guidelines;
- Ensure that staffing of facilities is sufficient to enable enhanced sanitization and cleaning measures;
Consumer Protection
- Screen customers for illness upon entry to the gym:
- Best practice: Temperature checks for every customer. Persons with temperatures above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should not be permitted on premise;
- Minimum: Question customers regarding COVID-19 symptoms
- Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
- Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Keep doors and windows open where possible to improve ventilation;
- Post signs encouraging social distancing (visible to customers);
- Require that customers wash or sanitize their hands upon entering and leaving the facility;
- Require customers to clean equipment they come in contact with using disinfecting wipes before and after each use;
- Encourage customers to use only one piece of equipment at a time (i.e., no circuits or "super setting") so that machines are cleaned after use;
- Consider limiting workout length to avoid unnecessary exposure, decrease congestion, and allow for additional sanitization;
- Recommend that persons more vulnerable or at-risk for COVID-19 as identified by the CDC--including those who are over the age of 65 or those who have chronic medical conditions--take extra precaution or refrain from use of the facility during Phase 1 of re-opening.
Employee Protection
- Allow employees to work from home as much as possible;
- Screen all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms;
- Staff should wear face coverings (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC;
- Provide training on personal protective equipment based on CDC guidelines;
- Provide a sanitizing station such as a wash basin with soap and/or bottle of hand sanitizer;
- Practice recommended social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
The full guidelines are posted online here.
- Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
- Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Additional information on Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Stimulus Accountability
With over $2 billion in one-time federal relief funds from the CARES Act coming to Tennessee, Gov. Lee is engaging directly with the White House and the federal delegation to reduce the strain on our state and local budgets.
- Public Health: Gov. Lee and the state's Unified-Command Group are working to ensure we have a medical and public health response that gets treatment to those who need it, testing to those who want it, and robust contact tracing for those who may have been infected.
- Recovery Efforts: Gov. Lee and our Economic Recovery Group are working to ensure that Tennesseans have the resources they need to adapt to a new normal by making sure we get reliable information and guidance out to businesses to operate safely.
- Fiscal Stability: This health crisis has placed new demands on our state and local governments, and we have to make sure our taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Tennessee's bi-partisan Stimulus Accountability Group is working to ensure proper stewardship that serves Tennesseans well.
A portion of these federal funds will be utilized to address the costs for COVID-19 treatment for the uninsured. Tennessee will utilize $30 million in state funding through the Division of TennCare to supplement federal dollars if needed. Health care providers treating the uninsured may file claims with the federal government and be reimbursed for treatment provided on or after February 4.
The Tennessee Pledge: Reopening Tennessee
Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
Additional information on Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Weekend Testing Update
This weekend, with the help of the National Guard and Department of Health personnel, we conducted 7,000 free COVID-19 tests to Tennesseans, regardless of traditional symptoms. Unified-Command Group has conducted more than 18,000 tests in a two-week period and contributed to the more than 150,000 tests that have been processed in our state to date.
Aggressive testing is key to the state's reopen strategy, and we urge more Tennesseans to take advantage of this service, especially those who begin returning to work during our phased re-open. As a reminder, Tennesseans can receive a free COVID-19 test 5 days a week at their local health department.
Drive-through testing sites will also be available during the weekend of May 2-3. A full list of sites is available here, and additional information on Tennessee's aggressive testing push is available here.
Antibody Testing
As Gov. Lee focuses on expanding COVID-19 testing, the Unified Command Group is working to provide information to help the Tennesseans understand how serology, or antibody, can, and cannot, inform the State's re-opening strategy.
Although the research is still ongoing, this will give us a first estimate of the number of Tennesseans with COVID-19 antibodies, which will assist us in developing our strategy for more widespread antibody test of the general population. The Tennessee Department of Health will be distributing a technical brief to health care providers in Tennessee with details about antibody testing and its limitations. TDH is also working on a plan to test of up 10,000 health care workers in Tennessee's public teaching hospitals.
Q: How is a COVID-19 antibody test different than the nasal swab test I received at the health department?
A: An antibody test involves taking a blood sample to detect cells in the body that have previously been exposed to, and fought off, a virus. A nasal swab test only detects whether a patient currently has a viral infection.
Q: It seems there are many antibody tests already available, doesn't that mean the tests have been approved and proven to be effective?
A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved six COVID-19 antibody tests for clinical use, and most of these have not been widely distributed. There are many antibody tests in the FDA's pipeline and may ultimately receive approval. However, most of the antibody tests ready for use have not been validated.
Q: Isn't it better to know whether or not I've had COVID-19 by getting an antibody test?
A: The primary issue with these unproven antibody tests is they can give patients false-positive results by detecting other types of coronaviruses, usually the kind that cause the common cold. A false-positive result may lead to a conclusion that a patient has immunity to COVID-19, when what the test really shows is, at some point in time, the patient was exposed to another type of coronavirus and its antibodies are present, not the antibodies for COVID-19.
Q: If I have antibodies in my blood, doesn't it mean I'm immune to COVID-19?
A: There is not enough data yet on COVID-19 antibody testing to prove having the antibodies will prevent a person from being re-infected with COVID-19. There are some indications most, maybe not all, people who have been infected with COVID-19 will develop antibodies in their blood that can be detected for a period of time. There isn't enough data to confirm this is true, or if it happens to be true how long the immunity will last.
Administrative Actions
Working with the Trump Administration
Earlier today, Gov. Lee participated in his weekly call with the White House. There was significant conversation around rebooting the economy and expanding testing, both of which we are aggressively pursuing in Tennessee.
The Trump Administration continues to be accessible and insightful as we work together to fight COVID-19 and get our people back to work.
Elective Procedures Resume
On Friday, elective medical procedures will be allowed to resume so Tennessee nurses and other hospital workers can get back to work. It's important to get hospitals back online with elective procedures so Tennesseans can safely resume more routine services, including scheduling quality of life procedures. Procedures like routine screenings and joint replacements are included in this first wave.
Tennessee State Workforce Update
The State of Tennessee will continue to weigh appropriate measures to ensure we are fiscally conservative through this pandemic. Gov. Lee has directed the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration to temporarily freeze any new non-mission critical hires to our state's workforce.
At the state level, we will continue to keep employees working from home until May 26th. This means that state services can continue without disruption as we work towards the gradual return of working in office.