NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Governor Bill Lee announced Executive Order 23 on April 2. This order now requires Tennesseans stay home.
“Staying home isn’t an option, it’s a requirement,” said Governor Lee. He went on to say that law enforcement officials have been briefed on how to enforce the order.
READ MORE: Local Law Enforcement Elaborate on COVID-19 Restrictions
During the daily coronavirus briefing, officials discussed the expected surge in COVID-19 cases. In preparation for the surge, expected the third week of April, officials have partnered with the Army Corp of Engineers and National Guard to prepare sites for the potential influx of large groups of patients.
After becoming FEMA approved with a major disaster declaration, the state is now able to proceed with alternative healthcare facilities. This expands Tennessee’s capacity by 7,000 beds across the state.
Alternative healthcare facilities will serve as COVID-19 positive non-acute facilities. These include: Music City Center in Nashville, Memphis Gateway Shopping Center, Chattanooga Convention Center, Knoxville Expo Center.
Major General Holmes with the Tennessee National Guard announced 400 personnel are spread across the state. Additional guardsmen may be called up as the need arises. The National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers are actively involved in preparing these alternative healthcare facilities.
READ MORE: 2,845 Cases of COVID-19 in State, 37 in County
As of April 1, two labs in the state are able to provide the 45-minute tests. Officials state by next week 1,000 tests per day, per lab, will be possible.
“It is more important today than ever,” said Governor Lee. “We can choose to separate. We can choose social distancing. We can choose to protect our neighbors. We can each do our part to stay apart.”