CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Governor Bill Lee addressed the state regarding efforts to coordinate a safe reopening of Tennessee businesses.

Gov. Lee confirmed that elective medical procedures would be added to the list of approved businesses able to reopen this week. Appropriate outpatient and elective medical procedures will resume on Friday, May 1.

Dr. Wendy Long, Tennessee Hospital Association, said hospital leaders have been meeting with Unified Command regarding elective procedures. The group has unanimously agreed to the following guidelines:

    • Ongoing reporting of data regarding hospital availability.
    • Community level approach to patient care – including analyzing trends and data of positive cases.
    • Ease of access to supplies
    • Easy access to patients and staff for COVID-19 screening
    • Phased approach to launch elective procedures.

Hospitals will be cleared to implement their plans after a testing they have completed confirming prerequisite steps.

Dr. Lisa Piercey, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health, confirmed 9,918 positive cases of the virus in Tennessee which is a 2.6% increase in 24 hours. Dr. Lisa Piercey also touched briefly on antibody testing, which has been of major interest to further understand immunity for COVID-19. Unapproved antibody tests may give a false positive to other strains of coronavirus, not necessarily COVID-19.

“Do your part, stay apart. When in doubt, get a test,” said Governor Bill Lee. Free tests are available at Health Departments Monday – Friday.