News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Governor Bill Lee wants to reopen some Tennessee businesses as soon as Monday.
“For the good of our state, social distancing must continue,” Lee said. “But our economic shutdown cannot. While we continue to emphasize social distancing for Tennesseans, I will not extend the safer at home order past April 30th, and moreover, we are working around the clock to be certain that some businesses will be able to open as soon as Monday.”
Lee said he wants all businesses possible to open in the 89 counties served by Tennessee Health Department offices. This includes all Upper Cumberland counties. The major metropolitan areas are not included, but Lee said his administration will work with those departments to get businesses reopened in those areas as well.
“Our firm intent (is) that by May 1st, the end of next week, the vast majority of closed businesses in eighty nine Tennessee counties will be allowed to reopen,” Lee said. “These businesses will open according to specific guidelines and guidance that will provide in accordance with state and national experts and both business and medicine.”
Announcing his stay-at-home order would not be extended, Lee said his economic recovery group is working around the clock to develop guidelines for reopening the economy.
Lee said the state reported its smallest increase in positive cases to date Monday, just 2.3 percent.
“We have seen only single digit digit percentage increases in the number of cases in our state,” Lee said. “Our hospitalization rate is consistently remained lower than national averages. And as of today, the number of recovered patients exceeds the number of active cases. This trajectory of symptoms and cases and hospitalizations shows a very encouraging sign.”
Some state parks will reopen beginning this week for day-only purposes, Lee said. Lee said social gathering restrictions will continue into May.
Lee said while the numbers are headed in the right direction, but social distancing must continue. He said Tennesseans must continue to stay apart in the days to come.
