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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office released the following statement: "Today, a member of the Governor's Executive Security Detail has tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Lee is feeling well and has tested negative for COVID-19 but out of an abundance of caution, he is quarantining at home with the First Lady until further notice. Governor's Office protocol requires masks and social distancing and no staff are believed to be positive at this time. The regularly scheduled, in-person press briefing will be canceled and Gov. Lee will provide an update to reporters by phone this afternoon with Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey."

A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Division, the Tennessee Office of Inspector General, the Tennessee Department of Health Division of Health Related Boards, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment and arrest of a Sevierville doctor and two of his patients.

A Williamson County woman is ordered to repay the state after she was charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services.

TDMHSAS has secured an additional $7.2 million in federal grant funding to respond to mental health and addiction concerns caused by COVID-19 and recent natural disasters.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development kicks off its busiest travel season with a new campaign aimed at protecting the health of visitors and residents. The “For the Love of Tennessee, Travel Safe” initiative reminds residents to play—but play it safe—by exploring the state’s unmatched scenic beauty, outdoor activities, urban centers and charming small towns while following key safety guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing and sanitization.

PIKEVILLE – The Department of Correction will resume visitation for inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex beginning next weekend. The facility will be on a modified visitation schedule beginning October 17.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Since March, the Tennessee National Guard has been working diligently alongside Tennessee’s Department of Health, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and various other state and local agencies to successfully administer COVID-19 tests to fellow Tennesseans. By Oct. 8, Tennessee guardsmen have successfully tested over 400,000 of their fellow citizens.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4 - 10 by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires and obtain a debris burn permit for leaf and brush piles. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15.

Tennessee New Unemployment Claims Filed for the week ending on October 3, 2020

Tennessee New Unemployment Claims Filed for the week ending on October 3, 2020.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) today announced an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds for the new Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG) program to provide additional relief to small businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new wave of funding includes specific support for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by disabled persons.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) today announced an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds for the new Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG) program to provide additional relief to small businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new wave of funding includes specific support for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by disabled persons.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Teknor Apex officials announced today that the company will expand operations in Brownsville. The project represents an investment of $7.4 million and the creation of 20 new jobs in Haywood County.