Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday his Economic Recovery Group will issue guidance today (5/6) for Tennessee’s small group recreation businesses to begin a safe reopening starting Friday, May 8. The group will also issue guidance for businesses that have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as offices, manufacturing and construction industries that require critical supplies to safely operate.
Access up-to-date guidance from Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group:
- Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
- Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Retail Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
- Exercise Facility Guidance can be accessed here.
- Close Contact Guidance can be accessed here.
Additional information on Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Gov. Lee has issued Executive Order No. 33, amending Executive Order No. 30 to allow the safe reopening of close contact services. The full text of the order is here.
Dental Procedures Resume: The state of Tennessee has worked directly with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and consulted guidelines set by the American Dental Association to allow dental procedures to safely resume on Wednesday, May 6.
Tuesday COVID-19 stats
Tuesday stats from Knox County Health Department via Mayor Kincannon:
Knox County, via Knox County Health Department:
252 positive cases, up from 246
38 active cases, up from 32
209 recovered, no change
35 hospitalizations, up from 34
2 currently hospitalized, no change
5 deaths, no change
Tennessee, via Tennessee Department of Health:
13,624 confirmed cases, up from 13,502
1,156 hospitalizations, up from 1,143
218,796 tested, up from 186,132
6,356 recovered, up from 6,081
226 deaths, up from 219
Previously reported
Local hospitals have resumed performing surgeries and procedures. Specific guidelines for patients and visitors are here: Hospitals Announce Phased Reopening_FINAL
Pellissippi State Community College has begun reopening, but for limited students, only at Hardin Valley and Strawberry Plains campuses. Details here.
Ijams Nature Center and Navitat will partially reopen Saturday, May 9. The trails have been and will continue to be open. Details here.
Town of Farragut is reopening in three phases, following the plan laid out by Knox County Health Department. Info here.
The Tennessee Pledge – the state’s plan to keep us safe from COVID-19 while rebooting the economy –is worth a look, especially for the graphs and stats. Read it: Tennessee Pledge
Free Wi-Fi is available in the parking lots of six senior centers in Knox County. Locations: Free WiFi
Knox County and Knoxville released a three-part plan to reopen. Phase one went into effect Friday, May 1, and will allow most businesses to open with strict social distancing guidelines. Opening is optional, so check before going. The plan: COVID Reopen Corrected Chart
Knox County libraries are closed, but online service continue. Details here.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopening info here.
Health Department Hotline: 865-215-5555
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Info updated as it becomes available.