Mayor Cannot Close Putnam Businesses

While Nashville shut down non-essential businesses Sunday, Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said that cannot happen here.

“Our city charter does not allow us to shut down businesses, only the governor can do that,” Shelton said. “Those that have some metro forms of government. Some are home rule form. Ours is private act charter.”

Governor Bill Lee did issue an executive order Sunday to eliminate on-site eating and drinking inside all restaurants and bars statewide. County Mayor Randy Porter said the order does not cover most businesses, like grocery stores and banks.

Shelton “implored” citizens and local businesses to minimize personal interaction.

“The more quickly we do this, the faster we can return to our regular schedule and lives,” Shelton said. “We’re also potentially saving lives in the process. Now this could be your family member. Our hospital needs you to do this so the curve can be flattened and the capacity in our original medical center remains strong. The more we can do this now, hopefully the quicker we can get back to normal.”

Shelton said no order exists for businesses, manufacturing facilities, corporate offices and the like to close. He said employees should check with their bosses or HR departments if they have questions.

“If you’re an employee of a business and you’re sick, the one thing we don’t want you to do is to go to work sick no matter what that illness is,” Porter said. “And so that’s one of the big things that we’re advising is if you’re if you’re sick, if you’re running a fever, if you have other illnesses, flu, all kinds of different things are going on right now, stay home.”

The governor’s order also prohibits gatherings of more than ten people. Porter said that covers parties and events, not ten people in a facility at one time.

Lee’s order also includes gyms and fitness centers. He also ordered only necessary visits to retirement homes and nursing homes. The order does not cover day care centers.

Shelton said citizens need to take personal responsibility and stop the “mass hysteria,” much of which has been created by rumors and innuendo on social media.

“Use common sense,” Shelton said.