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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In response to the current situation in Nashville, Governor Bill Lee has activated the Tennessee National Guard to support state and local law enforcement. More than 300 well-trained Tennessee Guardsmen are currently ready to assist and protect our fellow citizens. We are prepared to work tirelessly to save lives and limit the destruction of property for as long as needed. The safety of Tennesseans is our top priority and we are uniquely prepared to assist in responding to these types of emergencies.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued the following statement: “At the request of Mayor Cooper, I am authorizing the National Guard to mobilize in response to protests that have now taken a violent, unlawful turn in Nashville. The threat to both peace and property is unacceptable and we will work with local law enforcement and community leaders to restore safety and order. This is not a reflection of our state or the fundamental American right to peaceful protest.”

TIPTONVILLE – The latest round of mass COVID-19 testing at the Northwest Correctional Complex has now been completed.

MORGAN COUNTY – A group of East Tennessee residents and inmates have been charged in an extensive TDOC investigation into the introduction of contraband into state prisons.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is implementing new COVID-19 precautions for all visitors entering office lobbies across the state. These rules will impact customers coming into state offices for scheduled in-person appointments beginning Monday, June 1, 2020.

Gainesboro, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to former Jackson County Clerk, Amanda Stafford, pleading guilty Thursday to two counts of theft related to fraudulent motor vehicle registrations.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group released a new report on the state’s efforts to protect long-term care facility residents from the spread of COVID-19. The full report can be found in the attached pdf and online here.

Nashville, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Kristi M. Davis to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Grand Division to fill the Honorable Charles D. Susano Jr.’s vacancy.

Tennessee’s healthcare workers and first responders who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response have a new resource to reach out to about feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, or depression related to work. The COVID-19 Emotional Support Line for healthcare workers is available to call at 888-642-7886.

NASHVILLE – Statistics released today by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development show a staggering increase in unemployment for each of Tennessee’s 95 counties in April as many businesses closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group finalized plans today to establish an alternate care site at Metro Nashville General Hospital, 1818 Albion St., to increase hospital capacity in Middle Tennessee for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group issued new guidelines today for noncontact sports, camps, and higher education under the Tennessee Pledge. Since the state began its measured reopening in late April, nearly every industry is now able to resume business in some capacity with specific recommendations to preserve and protect the health and safety of all Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is warning livestock producers about a potential scam. Several Tennessee cattle farmers have recently been contacted by a person or persons indicating they want to buy cattle. The supposed buyer reaches out via text, claiming that a cashier’s check will be sent as payment with money added for shipping, and that the seller should contact the buyer once the payment is received.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released an overview of administrative actions taken to address the public health and economic crisis created by COVID-19.