Tennessee Gov. Extends Covid-19 State of Emergency

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has once again extended the state of emergency until the end of September.

Lee, a Republican, initially imposed the state of emergency on March 12 in order to free up funding and relax rules regarding the treatment and containment of COVID-19. He extended the order on Friday, the day before it was set to expire.

The state of emergency urges – but does not require – people wear masks when out in public and urges limited activity, maintain social distancing and staying home whenever possible. Social and recreational gatherings will remain limited to 50 or more people – though places of worship are still exempt, as well as weddings, funerals and related events.

Other provisions will also remain in place, such as expanding access to telehealth services, continuing delivery of alcohol services and allowing prescriptions to be available in 90-day supplies.

Additionally, Lee extended provisions allowing officials to meet electronically, rather than in person, as long as they provide some sort of electronic access to the public.

Finally, Lee signed a separate executive order that will continue to allow remote notarization and witnessing of documents.