Governor Bill Lee addresses Coronavirus concerns, declares State of Emergency

NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed the state via press conference on Thursday, March 12, declaring a State of Emergency over Coronavirus concerns.

The governor, alongside Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Hospital Association officials, addressed concerns over the virus, and announced an executive order funding additional efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“”We know that this is serious. We also know that this is especially serious for our neighbors who are elderly. And this is why we must all take this seriously even if you are not in the vulnerable population. While the risk to the general public remains low, the risk to vulnerable populations is very real.”

Vulnerable populations include both the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and various respiratory conditions.

Governor Lee called on Tennesseans to avoid visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and remain in close contact with elderly relatives. He encouraged citizens to practice good hygiene through hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home if sick.

A new Executive Order signed by the Governor on Thursday “bring in additional funds from FEMA and relax certain laws to make it easier to respond to this disease,” said Lee

To read the full Executive Order, click here.

Following the Governor’s address, Dr. Lisa Piercey of the Tennessee Department for Health provided an update on the spread of Coronavirus and efforts to curb the viruses’ progression.

Governor Lee concluded his formal remarks by stressing the importance of cooperation as issues concerning COVID-19 progress.

“I believe we have an opportunity as Tennesseans to come together once again,” said Lee “We can address this challenge that is before us, we have a great responsibility to address it, but it will take every single Tennessean to come together and do their part to mitigate spread the spread of this disease across our state and to provide for the best outcome possible in the weeks and months ahead.”