TENNESSEE, USA — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the end of statewide public health orders and signed Executive Order 80 to address economic and regulatory functions on Tuesday.
The order also ends the local authority to issue mask requirements in the 89 of the state's 95 counties directed by the state health department, according to a release from the governor's office.
Spanish Version: Gob. Lee anuncia clínicas de vacunación sin cita previa y el fin de las órdenes de salud pública a nivel estatal
The Tennessee Pledge business guidelines issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have been officially retired.
Lee has requested counties with independent health departments – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – that have remaining business restrictions or mask requirements to lift all measures no later than the end of May.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs announced that the county mask mandate would end effective the end of day Tuesday.
However, the Knox County Department of Health has yet to announce the mandate is ending, and said it is waiting for guidance from the Knox County Law Department before considering any decisions. KCHD Director Dr. Martha Buchanan ultimately has final authority in the county per state law to issue or revoke such mandates after the county commission voted to grant her the power in lieu of the Board of Health.
"The local situation is far better than it was even just a few months ago. And, today we reached an important milestone with 40% of Knox County residents having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine," KCHD said. "All that said, COVID-19 is still circulating, and we need more folks to get vaccinated. Therefore, just like we do with many other diseases and public health issues, we continue to recommend safety precautions."
The order also extends deregulatory provisions to give individuals, businesses and other organizations time to adapt their operations.
Lee's office said the order maintains the state's access to federal funding, including SNAP benefits and cost reimbursements for the Tennessee National Guard’s testing and vaccination efforts.
Local health departments will now offer a walk-up option in addition to appointments for all Tennesseans 16 and older, according to the order.
“COVID-19 is now a managed public health issue in Tennessee and no longer a statewide public health emergency,” Lee said. “As Tennesseans continue to get vaccinated, it’s time to lift remaining local restrictions, focus on economic recovery and get back to business in Tennessee.”
Executive Order 80 is effective through May 31, 2021.