NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Community leaders and healthcare professionals across the state are advocating for Governor Lee to institute stronger measures to protect Tennesseans. Today, Governor Lee announced Executive Order 17, which orders Tennesseans to limit certain gatherings and for Tennessee businesses to explore alternative models.

Recently a group of Tennessee Mayors came out in support of a statewide “Shelter in Place”. An order of this kind would be similar to Mayor Cooper’s “Safer at Home” imposed on businesses and residents in Davidson County.

Currently only Davidson County has a “Safer at Home” order instituted. The mandates below do not apply to all Tennessee residents.

What is “Safer at Home”

A “Safer at Home” or “Shelter in Place” order means residents would still be able to:

  • Go to the grocery, convenience, or warehouse store in which essential items are sold
  • Go to the pharmacy for medications and healthcare necessities
  • Keep and make medical appointments as necessary
  • Use restaurants for delivery, take-out, curbside pick up
  • Care for friends and family members in need
  • Go outdoors, while maintaining a safe 6-foot distance from others. Walk, jog, ride a bike, engage in physical activity.
  • Receive deliveries from businesses

Residents should NOT:

  • Go to work unless providing essential services
  • Visit friends or family if there is not an urgent need
  • Engage in public gatherings, especially no more than 10 people
  • Visit loved ones in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation facilities.

In Davidson County, the following businesses are deemed ‘essential’ and will remain open:

  • Federal and state offices and services (i.e. post office and airport)
  • Local government functions including law enforcement, transportation, and businesses that provide government programs and services
  • Food and beverage stores: grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and other businesses that supply food.
  • Health care, mental and behavioral health, and research facilities
  • Sanitation, waste removal, etc.
  • Energy, water, internet, cable, and sewage services
  • Banks, savings and loans, credit unions, insurance companies, financial services
  • Vehicle support (gas stations and service stations)
  • Legal and judicial services
  • Hardware, warehouse, storage
  • Construction, delivery, and distribution services
  • Veterinary and pet supply, and farming supply

Additional information on Davidson County’s ‘Safer at Home’ can be seen on WKRN.