

Nick Gray Yihyun Jeong
Nashville Tennessean
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Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order on Thursday that requires Tennesseans to stay at home except for essential activities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As of Thursday morning, state officials reported 4,362 COVID-19 cases, with 79 fatalities and 449 hospitalizations.

Here's what you need to know about the stay-at-home order:

When does the order take effect?

The order took effect immediately on Thursday, said Gillum Ferguson, the governor's spokesman.

Is this different from a 'safer-at-home' order, which Lee issued on Monday?

Yes. Lee issued an order on Monday urging residents to stay home, but Thursday's mandate requires Tennesseans to stay home. 

Think of it this way: Monday's order was an encouragement; Thursday's order is a requirement.

Why did Lee wait so long?

Lee initially said no such action was necessary as he worked to balance public health and protect personal liberties. He also said experts in the medical community remained divided on the issue.

But as Lee stalled, he’s been repeatedly criticized by doctors and public officials throughout the state. 

On Thursday, Lee cited analyzed cell phone data and traffic patterns to reach the conclusion such a mandate was necessary. Though a pattern emerged early on, Lee said he couldn’t “look too closely” at one or two days to a “trend” before making a significant decision.

What are 'essential activities'?

Essential activities include:

  • Activities related to health, including doctor's appointments, picking up medicine or medical supplies, seeking emergency services, etc.
  • Buying groceries, including alcohol, or obtaining sanitation supplies or necessary supplies to work from home.
  • Providing, facilitating or receiving delivery or curbside carry-out delivery of online or telephone orders.
  • Caring for or visiting a family member, friend or pet in another household.

Are there travel restrictions?

Yes. Lee ordered Tennesseans to avoid discretionary travel.

Only essential travel is permitted. It includes:

  • Travel to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons;
  • Travel to and from outside of the State of Tennessee;
  • Travel required by law, law enforcement, or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.

Is Tennessee under a curfew

No. The order does not mandate a curfew. 

Are you able go to church?

Yes, one of the essential activities listed is "visiting a place of worship or attending a wedding or funeral; provided, that the Health Guidelines are followed to the greatest extent practicable."

What happens if someone does not follow the order?

Lee said he is giving local law enforcement agencies across the state the authority to enforce the mandate as they see fit.

Lee said that non-essential businesses who are operating outside of the mandate guidelines should be reported to local law enforcement.

So can I still take a walk or exercise outside?

Yes but make sure you are social distancing, staying at least six feet away from another person.

Lee's executive order states "outdoor activity" as essential as long as there people are not "congregating"

How long will the order last?

The order expires April 14 at 11:59 p.m.

Read Gov. Bill Lee's stay-at-home order

This story will be updated.

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