WASHINGTON D.C. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – On Sunday, March 29, President Donald Trump announced at a press conference that he would be extending social distancing guidelines, previously set to expire Monday, March 30,  until April 30.

The announcement comes on the tail-end of the White House Task Force’s ’15-Days to Slow the Spread’ campaign, encouraging Americans to practice social distancing in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the president had expressed his hope that most Americans might return to business as soon as April 12 and that there might be “packed churches all over our country.”

Today’s announcement seems to air on the side of caution, directing Americans to continue the practice of social distancing for another month.

Local officials have issued similar responses to the pandemic, with both Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and County Mayor Jim Durrett issuing emergency declarations for Clarksville-Montgomery County. Both the city and county declarations are in place until April 2 and April 3, respectively. Leadership has indicated they will extend any measures necessary for the public interest.

White House guidelines include:

  • If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
  • If your children are sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
  • If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
  • If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
  • If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk, stay home and away from other people.

The White House also recommends that all Americans:

  • Work and attend school from home whenever possible.
  • Avoid social gatherings of 10 or more.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • Cancel or postpone any unnecessary medical procedures.
  • Do not eat or drink in public places. Choose drive-thru, pickup or delivery options instead.
  • Avoid visiting nursing homes or care facilities housing high risk individuals.
  • Practice good hygiene (hand washing, covering coughs etc.)

To see the full presidential guidelines, click here.

As of Sunday, March 29, the Tenn. Dept. of Health has confirmed 1,537 cases of COVID-19, including 7 deaths and 133 hospitalizations. Montgomery County has 13 cases.