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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee established the COVID-19 Unified Command, a joint effort to be led by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is taking immediate steps to ensure access to critical services and benefits for customers while protecting the health of employees and the public in response to COVID-19. After a careful analysis of foot traffic and the health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Tennessee Department of Health, the TDHS has decided to move to appointment only for in person services beginning Monday, March 23, 2020.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 17 calling for businesses across the state to utilize alternative business models beginning at midnight CDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until midnight CDT April 6, 2020. The order also outlines ways businesses and citizens should work to protect vulnerable populations.

While the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, Tennessee’s farms remain an ideal source for fresh and local produce, dairy products, and meats. Many farms that sell directly to the public are working to keep the food supply chain strong and taking additional precautions to protect the health of their customers.

NASHVILLE, TN— Today, Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement regarding the meal distribution situation in Shelby County: “The Department was recently notified of the meal distribution situation in Shelby County. Department nutrition officials have already been in contact with Shelby County and we are committed to working closely with the district to identify immediate solutions. The priority for all Tennessee public schools and districts is to ensure our children are fed - we will come together as a state to support one of our own and the children counting on us.”

As Tennessee responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers markets are doing their part to supply customers with fresh, local foods. Markets across the state are working to relieve pressure on food distribution channels, while taking safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

NASHVILLE – Recent events in our state have impacted the employment of many Tennesseans. Because of this, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has seen a large increase in the number of unemployment claims. This increase, along with public health concerns, has prompted a change in strategy for the agency.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP will donate blood on Friday, March 20 at the Nashville Area American Red Cross at 2201 Charlotte Ave. in Nashville.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak closely. At this time, most State Driver Services Centers remain open and the Department is currently taking precautions to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees. To relieve as many customers as possible from needing to visit a Driver Services Center during the outbreak, the Driver Services Division is implementing the following changes...

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has new resources available for employers and employees impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

During this time of uncertainty, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) remains committed in our mission to safeguard your food and fiber and ensure equity in the marketplace.

Today, Gov. Bill Lee announced he has submitted a request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Once the declaration is made, all Tennessee small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19 will be eligible to apply for disaster loan assistance of up to $2 million per applicant.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is encouraging its customers to stay home during the COVID-19 state of emergency and take advantage of the online resources that are available. This includes new resources that were made available online today for those with a financial need who were impacted by the March 3rd tornado disaster.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton issued the following statement:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement regarding statewide school closure: