News

Governor Bill Lee today signed Executive Order No. 50 to extend the State of Emergency related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to August 29, 2020. The order allows the continued suspension of various laws and regulations and other measures in these orders to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19 through regulatory flexibility, promoting social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Gov. Lee also signed Executive Order Nos. 51 and 52, which extend provisions that allow for electronic government meetings subject to transparency safeguards and remote notarization and witnessing of documents, respectively, to August 29, 2020.

Executive Order No. 50

Executive Order No. 50 extends previous provisions that:

• Urge Tennesseans to continue limiting activity and staying home where possible, as well as following health guidelines and maintaining social distancing;
• Urge persons to wear a cloth face covering in places where in close proximity to others;
• Urge employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible;
• Provide that persons with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms are required to stay at home, and that employers may not require or allow employees with COVID-19 to work;
• Limit social and recreational gatherings of 50 or more persons, unless adequate social distancing can be maintained (the 6 counties with locally run county health departments may issue different directives on gatherings)
  • This does not apply to places of worship, for which there are guidelines for safe operation of worship services and gatherings, though places of worship are urged to continue virtual or online services where possible;
  • This does not apply to weddings, funerals, and related events, but encourages postponement of large-gathering components of such events;
• Limit contact sports with a requirement or substantial likelihood of routine close contact
  • This does not apply to collegiate or professional sports conducted under the rules or guidelines of their respective governing bodies and does not prohibit training or otherwise practicing the elements of such sports that do not involve close contact with persons;
• Limit nursing home and long-term-care facility visitation, while providing a framework for safe, limited visitation set forth in Executive Order No. 49, and continue the closure of senior centers;
• Provide that employers and businesses are expected to comply with the Governor’s Economic Recovery Group Guidelines (e.g., Tennessee Pledge) for operating safely, as well as general health guidelines from the CDC and other government entities (the 6 counties with locally run county health departments have authority to issue different directives on businesses/venues);
• Provide that bars may only serve customers seated at appropriately spaced tables and must follow the Economic Recovery Group Guidelines (e.g., Tennessee Pledge) for restaurants (the 6 counties with locally run county health departments have authority to issue different directives on businesses/venues);
• Urge persons and businesses to take special care to protect vulnerable populations, including by offering delivery or special shopping hours where possible;
• Allow take-out and delivery alcohol sales by restaurants and limited-service restaurants to continue to encourage customers to utilize take-out or delivery options;
• Allow broad access to telehealth services;
• Increase opportunities for people to easily join the healthcare workforce;
• Provide easier access to unemployment benefits;
• Ensure supply chain protections;
• Extend deadlines and suspend certain in-person continuing education or inspection requirements to avoid unnecessary person-to-person contact; and
• Increase opportunities to work remotely where appropriate.

A more complete list of measures extended beyond June 30 to promote regulatory flexibility, facilitate social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings, and support supply chains and health care providers includes:

• Health care licenses, certificates, and registrations are extended until August 31, 2020, and the number of health care professionals and facilities that are eligible for an extension is increased.
• Degree holders in science fields can work as laboratory personnel under supervision. Allows more qualified graduates to work in medical laboratories.
• Testing for COVID-19 can occur at more medical laboratory facilities. Allows for more widespread testing related to COVID-19.
• Driver licenses and photo ID renewal deadlines are further extended. CDL license types remain extended until June 30, 2020; other types are extended until November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Deadlines for payments to reinstate driver licenses are further extended. More people qualify for an extension.
• Enhanced handgun carry permits are further extended through November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Deadlines for persons with interlock ignition devices are further suspended. More people qualify for an extension.
• Professional educational and training deadlines administered by the Department of Commerce and Insurance may be extended. The Department now has the authority to extend testing deadlines for regulated professions.
• Activation of Tennessee Emergency Management Plan.
• Out-of-state health care providers may practice in Tennessee.
• Prescriptions available in 90-day supply.
• Increased availability of home health services.
• Notarization is not required for health care applications.
• Retired medical professionals can easily reenter the health care workforce.
• Continuing education requirements are suspended to allow health care professionals to receive such education through electronic means.
• Laboratory inspections are suspended to allow for immediate COVID-19 testing.
• Health care licensing inspections and investigations are suspended to increase resources available to fight COVID-19 and to protect public health.
• Inspections of pain management clinics are suspended.
• Inspections of health care facilities are suspended.
• Inspections of medical laboratories are suspended.
• Inspections of pharmaceutical facilities are suspended.
• Inspections of veterinary facilities are suspended.
• Live human patient examinations are suspended for dentistry applicants, and the Board of Dentistry may modify licensing procedures accordingly.
• Memoranda of Understanding with the Department of Health to obtain confidential personal health information are enforceable emergency orders.
• Nursing graduates may practice under supervision without examination.
• Expanding locations for autopsies.
• Pharmacists can process prescriptions remotely.
• Each pharmacist can supervise more pharmacy technicians.
• Medical laboratory directors can monitor facilities remotely.
• Pre-license, post-degree mental or behavioral health professionals can provide telehealth services under supervision.
• Medical laboratory personnel can work remotely.
• Increased number of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients.
• Regulations of emergency medical services are suspended to increase services.
• Temporary quarantine and isolation facilities may be constructed.
• Size and weight transportation restrictions suspended for emergency supplies.
• Transportation hours of service restrictions suspended for emergency supplies.
• Certain criteria for unemployment benefits are suspended to ensure such benefits are available to COVID 19-affected employees.
• Unemployment information from employers required more quickly to process benefits faster.
• Child care licensure and assessment requirements are suspended to facilitate continued operation of child care facilities.
• Examination cycle of financial institutions may be extended.
• Deadline for TNInvestco annual audited financial statement reports extended until July 31, 2020.
• Departments may extend deadlines to deposit state funds to protect state employees/customers.
• Deadline for ethics filings is extended until July 15, 2020.
• Deadlines for law enforcement training are extended.
• Free copies of business entity filings available for those using them to seek state or federal disaster relief.
• Board of Parole may modify procedures to protect public health.
• Suspends temporary application of safety valve provisions resulting from the temporary decrease in TDOC prisoners.
• Governor has discretion to utilize National Guard members in connection with TDOC operations if needed.
• Motor vehicle dealers can record liens with the Secretary of State.
• Administration of driving tests is suspended.
• Issuance of REAL-ID is suspended.
• Tennessee Corrections Institute transfer procedures are adjusted to respond to COVID-19.
• Tennessee Corrections Institute may flexibly respond to COVID-19 issues.
• Deadlines for building code and building plan inspections may be extended.
• Notarization requirements for bonds and certain legal documents are suspended.
• Deadline for firefighters to complete training may be extended.
• Deadline for law enforcement and firefighter physical examinations is extended until October 1, 2020.
• Deadline for peace officers to complete training may be suspended.
• Annual meeting of the Tennessee Judicial Conference is suspended.
• Time periods for completing securities registration requirements may be extended.
• Remote shareholder meetings permitted under certain conditions.
• Discretionary leave available for state employees affected by COVID-19.
• Inspections of mental health and substance abuse facilities and services are suspended.
• Telephone assessments for involuntary commitment cases are permitted.
• TennCare policies adjusted to prevent coverage disruptions.
• Limitations on emergency admissions to Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities facilities are suspended.
• Medication administration certificates may be extended for Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities personnel.
• Suspending requirements not feasible during COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service levels for persons supported by Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Health insurance carriers encouraged to take steps necessary to maximize access to COVID-19 treatment, screening, and testing.
• Telemedicine access is expanded.
• All licensed health care providers can practice telemedicine.
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation may conduct name-based background checks.
• Deadline to remove expunged records is suspended.

Executive Order No. 51

Executive Order No. 16, as previously extended by Executive Order No. 34, which allows governing bodies to meet electronically regarding essential business as long as they provide electronic access to the public and meet the safeguards established in that order to ensure openness and transparency, is extended through August 29 to ensure that governmental entities are able to carry out essential business in a safe, transparent way without creating large gatherings in a confined space and endangering persons, particularly those at increased risk of suffering severe illness from COVID-19, while determinations of how best to return to safe, in-person governmental meetings remain ongoing.

Summary of Executive Order No. 52

Executive Order No. 26, as previously extended by Executive Order No. 37, which allows for remote notarization and witnessing of documents, subject to compliance with certain procedures, is extended through August 29 to ensure that persons, and particularly populations especially vulnerable to COVID-19, including older adults and persons with compromised immune systems or serious chronic medical conditions, can continue to engage in commerce and execute legal documents without requiring in-person contact.

“Children often test the water when they disclose child sexual abuse to an adult,” shared Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer.  “They give you a little information and then watch your response.  If you overreact or become angry the child may shut down, feel guilty or ashamed, or retract their story.  When you stay calm the child will continue to tell you what is happening.”

Darkness to Light is a 5 Step Program to teach adults to prevent child sexual abuse, recognize when it may be happening, and react responsibly.  Step 5 of the program is to react responsibly.  This step teaches you how to react when a child discloses child sexual abuse to you, you discover the child is being abused, or you suspect child sexual abuse.

There are many ways that you may discover that a child is being sexually abused.  You may witness the abuse, someone may tell you that they suspect abuse, or you may find information on your child’s phone that leads you to believe that they are being abused.

Suspicion means you recognize the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse or you witness an adult or older youth cross a boundary with a child.  If you suspect abuse set limits and start to ask questions. Offenders are rarely caught in the act of sexually abusing a child, but they are often caught crossing boundaries.

According to Tennessee Code Annotate statute 37-1-403 and 37-1-605 everyone in the State of Tennessee is a mandatory reporter of child abuse and child sexual abuse.  You do not have to have evidence that a child is being abuse.  If you have a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused it is your legal responsibility to report those suspicions to the Department of Children’s Services at 1-877-237-0004 or local law enforcement at 911. 

“When a child is being abused it is like being in the middle of a storm.  What the child needs is for the adults in their life to be the calm in the middle of the storm.  Be supportive of the child, tell them you believe them, and reassure them that it is not their fault,” continued De Boer.  “The best way to learn how to do this is by attending the Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training.”

Darkness to Light has given the Child Advocacy Center unlimited free online training for a limited time until June 30, 2020.  After that date your cost to attend the online training is $10 per person. 

Rutherford and Cannon County parents, grandparents, and professionals can go online and take the Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training free of charge until June 30, 2020.  The link to take the training is:  https://d2l.csod.com/client/d2l/default.aspx and the code for the training to be FREE is Rutherford.

If you have questions or need additional information please call the Child Advocacy Center in Rutherford County at (615) 867-9000 or in Cannon County at (165) 563-9915.

In honor of National Insurance Awareness Day (Sunday, June 28), the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) reminds Tennesseans of the importance of conducting an annual review of their insurance policies and assess their risks to ensure their coverages fit their current needs.

“This year’s two deadly tornadoes, the devastating derecho windstorm and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have challenged insurance consumers and insurance carriers across Tennessee like never before,” said TDCI Commissioner Hodgen Mainda. “I am proud of our team’s response in assisting consumers and our state’s insurance professionals during these challenging times. If consumers have questions about their policies or their coverage, they should remember that our team is ready to assist them in answering questions so consumers can make informed choices.”

Tennessee insurance consumers who were unfairly denied a claim or who have questions about their policies should contact TDCI Consumer Insurance Services team at (615) 741-2218 or 800-342-4029 or visit tn.gov/commerce.

On the occasion of National Insurance Awareness Day, TDCI Assistant Commissioner Rachel Jrade-Rice highlighted the importance of insurance coverage and the work of TDCI’s Division of Insurance in a new TDCI blog post and opinion editorial.

“An annual assessment of your insurance coverage is a valuable way for consumers to determine if they have enough coverage or not,” said Jrade-Rice. “Looking ahead to the remainder of 2020, we are committed to ensuring that claims are being adjusted, paid appropriately and quickly. Consumers who feel as if they have been unfairly denied a claim should contact our team and file a complaint immediately.”

Through the first part of 2020, Tennessee consumers have been repaid over $2.2 million through TDCI’s mediation efforts that resulted in denied claims being overturned for policyholders.

To help consumers review their insurance needs, TDCI shares the following tips:

Homeowners Insurance

• Some insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage. Shop around to ensure the best coverage for your needs at the best price.
• Conduct an annual inventory of your home’s content. Take pictures and video of your contents, and update the list when you buy new items. Store the inventory list, pictures and videos in a secure place like a safe deposit box, a relative’s house or online.
• Ensure your dwelling coverage has not dropped below the cost to replace your home. • If you rent, never assume your landlord’s insurance policy covers your belongings. More often than not, you will have to acquire renters insurance to protect your belongings.

Auto Insurance

• Determine if your current coverage is best for your vehicle and finances.
• Regularly review your policy to make sure the basis for your premium is as accurate as possible. Several things can affect your premium like adding/ removing a vehicle or a teen driver graduating high school or reaching age 18.
• While raising deductibles can lower premiums, it can also mean you’ll owe more if you have an accident. Evaluate deductibles to determine whether you can afford to absorb your portion of a loss in the event of an accident.
• Ensure each vehicle is equipped with proper and valid proof of coverage.
• While reevaluating your coverage, check to see if new products such as usage-based insurance (UBI) may be a good fit for your family. With UBI, the auto insurer monitors your driving behavior and uses that information to determine your rates. NAIC’s DriveCheck tool helps consumers deter-mine if they could benefit from UBI.

Life Insurance

• Life changes, like the birth of a child or an income variation, justify a policy review. Conducting an annual review of your coverages ensure they match your current needs.
• There are several types of life insurance. Talk with your agent to ensure your policy is the best fit for your life stage.
• Ensure life insurance documentation is stored in a secure location and that close family members are familiar with the policy and coverages.

Other areas

• Are you one of the thousands of Tennesseans who drive for a ridesharing company, also known as a Transportation Networking Company? Or do you rent your home through a home sharing company? Be sure to talk to your agent/company about benefits and exclusions to ensure you are pro-tected.
• Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free life insurance policy and annuity contract locator service for those who are handling the affairs of a deceased family member. Last year, over $27 million was located for Tennesseans. This service aids family members in finding lost or forgotten about life insurance policies for a loved one who has passed away.

The time to renew hemp growing licenses is here. The deadline to renew Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) hemp grower licenses is June 30, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. CDT.

“Tennessee hemp producers work hard to raise their crops, market their products, and stay current on the relatively young sector of the agriculture industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We want to make sure they’re properly licensed for this growing season. We continue to provide support to hemp producers by incentivizing new processing opportunities and providing marketing assistance as the industry establishes and stabilizes.”

Federal and state laws require Tennessee industrial hemp growers be licensed through TDA’s industrial hemp program. New applications are accepted year-round and expire June 30.

Applicants wishing to participate in the program must submit an application, license fees, and required documentation.

Pick Tennessee Products, TDA’s program that connects farmers directly to consumers, is also supporting the hemp industry with a new hemp category. Now, you can view hemp products from Tennessee producers at www.picktnproducts.org or on the Pick TN mobile app. Tennessee hemp growers, processors or manufacturers can apply to be included in this directory at www.picktnproducts.org/apply-pick-tennessee-products-application.html.

“With hemp’s inclusion as a defined product category within Pick Tennessee, our expert base of industry players and all of the customers they serve can be optimistic about the future of Tennessee hemp,” Tennessee Hemp Industries Association president Frederick Cawthon said. “We are working together to make the Tennessee hemp industry successful and sustainable. Our association’s members are appreciative of our collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.”

The Tennessee General Assembly enacted Public Chapter 916 in 2014 tasking TDA with development of a licensing and inspection program for the production of hemp in Tennessee. The hemp grower application and more information about Tennessee’s hemp program can be found at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry.html. Questions can be emailed to industrial.hemp@tn.gov.

Record-high unemployment rates recorded in counties across Tennessee in April experienced sizable decreases as the state slowly reopened in May 2020, according to preliminary data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

All 95 of Tennessee’s counties had lower unemployment rates in May, compared to the number of individuals who could not work in April when many businesses closed in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

In our area, Cannon County has the second lowest rate for all of the counties that surround it.

County                        May Unemployed       %         April %           Change May to April

Cannon                       805                             12.2     15.9                 – 3.7

Coffee                         3,859                          14.2     19.8                 – 5.6

Dekalb                        1,311                          16.3     22.1                 – 5.8

Rutherford                 23,394                        12.6     16.7                 – 4.1

Warren                       2,960                          17.6     25.1                 – 7.5

Wilson                        7,517                          10.0     13.9                 – 3.9

Even with marked improvement, 42 counties had unemployment rates greater than 5%, but less than 10%. Fifty-three counties, more than half of the counties in the state, had rates greater than 10%, but less than 20%.

Weakley County had Tennessee’s lowest unemployment rate in May. The county’s new rate of 7% is 2.5 percentage points lower than it was in April.

Fentress County had the second-lowest figure in May at 7.1%, down from 9.9% the month before. Williamson County’s unemployment rate was the third-lowest statewide. At 7.4%, the rate is down 3.1 percentage points from the county’s all-time high of 10.5% recorded in April.

Sevier County continued to have the highest rate of unemployment in Tennessee. Still, the county’s new rate of 18.5% is a staggering drop of 10.6 percentage points from April’s record high of 29.1%.

At 17.6%, Warren County recorded the second-highest unemployment rate in May, down 7.5 percentage points from April’s rate. Marshall County had the third-highest rate for the month with a rate of 17.5%, a decrease of 6.6 percentage points from the previous month’s rate.

May unemployment numbers dropped in each of Tennessee’s three largest cities. Knoxville had the most significant decrease with its rate changing from 14.7% in April to 10% in May. Nashville experienced the second biggest decrease with unemployment dropping from 16.1% in April to 12.6% in May, a difference of 3.5 percentage points. Memphis recorded a rate of 13.2%, down 1.3 percentage points from April’s rate.

The statewide unemployment statistic from May also decreased significantly. The new preliminary rate of 11.3% is down from the revised April rate of 15.5%.

Nationwide, unemployment decreased to 13.3% in May, down from the 14.7% rate recorded the month before.

Unlike the statewide rate, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Cannon County Schools has formed a Task Force regarding the reopening of schools, which was formed to examine multiple issues in a local response to COVID-19 concerns.  This Task Force includes Cannon County Schools Administrators, Principals, Teacher Representatives, School Parents, Local Health Department Officials, Local Government Emergency Management Officials, and Local Health Care Professionals.

The 2020-2021 school year will be unlike any other.  Cannon County Schools desire to create positive and healthy environments for students, staffs, and families.  We are facing unprecedented times in our Cannon County Schools, and our response to this challenging situation is in “uncharted waters.”  Tennessee Commissioner of Education Dr. Penny Schwinn stated, “The very way in which we are rethinking and redesigning how we deliver education to our children during this pandemic, including how we run our school systems is innovative.  Together, we must embrace this opportunity and what it means for our kids.”

Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis stated, “The Cannon County Schools Task Force is evaluating multiple scenarios as it relates to school reopening.  Our last day for the 2019-2020 School year was on March 13^th, 2020.  As we return in August 2020 to begin the new school year, we are evaluating how that will be conducted.  Most all schools are examining three options or categories:

Category 1 – All Students Physically in School Buildings or “Normal Operations” with certain precautions taken, i.e. social distancing, use of optional masks by students and masks worn by school personnel, etc.

Category 2 – All Students Participate in Virtual and/or Distance Education – This Category would be similar to what occurred between March 13^th to May 22^nd, 2020, with the difference being assignments would be mandatory and grading completed.

Category 3 – Some Students in Physical Building and Some Students Virtual – This Category is called a “Hybrid” and means that some students could be at school while others are participating online with computer resources at their homes.

The Reopening Task Force will be examining these options and realize that as more cases occur that school closures may result, but learning must continue in various ways.”

Curtis continued, “Cannon County Schools Mission – “Preparing ALL Students for Their Future” continues on regardless of COVID-19 Pandemic. We are developing procedures and plans to be proactive regarding this continuing situation to see our Vision for our Students and Staff to be “Engaged in Excellence Every Day!”  We desire to achieve our Mission and Vision through our major Goal – “To provide a safe and supportive learning environment!”  Achieving that goal in a fiscally challenging environment and ever-changing pandemic situation is what we face in our Cannon County Schools.”

Each of you can assist us!  We are needing your input in an important Cannon County community survey.  This survey is for everyone to give input:  Educators, Parents, Grandparents, Community Members, and Citizens.  The survey is located on the Cannon County Schools Homepage at http://www.ccstn.net titled School Reopening Survey or go directly to the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13rVrS5C4-_n1_7XtMh7sTf6aOA–MuV-PqizrsBk2Sg/edit.

The Reopening Task Force will use this data to formulate informed decision-making regarding our Cannon County Schools response.  Please help us by filling this survey out online by Monday, July 6^th, 2020.  We sincerely desire this input and appreciate everyone’s participation to achieve another Goal – “To Engage families and communities as PARTNERS in the Learning Process!”

Tennesseans working to obtain a high school equivalency diploma can now take their exams at home via a new online program, HiSET Exam at Home. This program makes the test accessible to adult learners while many testing centers are closed due to COVID-19.

Starting Monday, June 22, 2020, Tennesseans can register to take the HiSET test online using the human remote proctoring service, ProctorU.

The online exams are identical to HiSET exams taken in physical testing centers in terms of content, format, on-screen experience, and scoring. Each of the features test takers experience in testing centers, such as the ability to preview, skip questions, review, and change answers, are available with the online exam.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s HiSET Voucher Program covers all costs associated with the exams. To receive a voucher from a local Adult Education program, a test taker must be a Tennessee resident and demonstrate test preparedness through a qualifying practice test.

Adult learners interested in completing the HiSET Exam at Home program should first contact their local Adult Education provider. You can find a list of local providers here.

To utilize the HiSET Exam at Home option and associated vouchers, an individual must be at least 18 years old and ensure that their computer and testing room meet the remote proctoring requirements. You can find a list of those requirements here.

ETS, the program’s vendor, is taking every precaution to ensure the HiSET at Home Exam meets the highest standards of validity, security, and reliability. The at-home solution employs multiple best-in-class security measures, including real-time human monitoring and artificial intelligence technology. These measures allow for the recognition and remediation of the hardest-to-detect security incidents.

An adult learner who passes the HiSET at Home Exam will earn their high school equivalency diploma issued by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Adult Education Division.

Tennessee gas prices, on average, increased slightly over last week – only rising nearly two cents. The Tennessee Gas Price average  is now $1.89 which is 20 cents more than one month ago and nearly 46 cents less than one year ago.  “Demand levels are likely to ebb and flow in the coming weeks as people continue to be cautious about travel,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. As a result, pump prices will likely continue to increase, but at a slower rate through the end of the month. Quick Facts 93% of Tennessee gas stations still have prices below $2.00 The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.72 for regular unleaded The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.16 for regular unleaded Tennessee is the 9th least expensive market in the nation National Gas Prices The rate at which gas prices are increasing across the country is slowing. Thirty states only saw an increase of a penny or two, causing the national average to push more expensive by three cents to $2.13 since last Monday. The slower rate can be tied to demand. Measuring at 7.87 million b/d, gasoline demand saw a small week-over-week decline and continues to be significantly lower (21%) compared to this week last year.   Today’s national average is 19 cents more expensive than a month ago, but remains significantly cheaper – 53 cents – than a year ago.

Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate for May 2020 dropped by 4.2 percentage points from the record high set in April, according to data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

In May, the seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased to 11.3%.

Additional data changed Tennessee’s preliminary rate for April from 14.7% to 15.5%, which is now the state’s highest unemployment rate on record.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Tennessee’s economy, the state’s previous record-setting unemployment rate was 12.9% in January 1983.

Tennessee employers added 93,900 nonfarm jobs between April and May. Leisure/hospitality, manufacturing, and other services sectors had the biggest month-to-month increases.

While the state gained new jobs in May, there was a significant drop in the year-to-year comparison of job numbers. Tennessee lost 265,800 jobs between May 2019 and May 2020. The impact of the COVID-19 closures impacted the leisure/hospitality sector the most, followed by the manufacturing and professional/business services sectors.

Since March, Tennessee has experienced a historic surge in unemployment due to businesses closing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For the week ending June 13, the state paid just over 300,000 people unemployment benefits, totaling more than $291 million for the week.

Across the country, unemployment did not decline as much as it did in Tennessee. The national preliminary unemployment rate for the United States decreased in May to 13.3%, down 1.4 percentage points from April’s rate.

You can find a complete analysis of Tennessee’s May unemployment data here.

Currently, there are more than 166,000 job openings posted on the state’s workforce development website, www.Jobs4TN.gov. Tennesseans will also find free assistance with improving job search skills, updating resumes, and job training opportunities on the site.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group (ERG) has developed the TN Strong Mask Movement, partnering with more than 30 flagship brands to distribute close to 300,000 free or low-cost cloth face coverings, at a projected value of more than $3 million, across the state. Now, residents can stay safe while wearing brands synonymous with Tennessee from the worlds of sports, education, and business.

“Tennesseans have stepped up to do their part and keep their neighbors safe throughout this health crisis,” said Mark Ezell, Director of the Economic Recovery Group. “The more we can encourage masks and make them fun, the better we can mitigate the spread of the COVID-19. These businesses are the heart and soul of Tennessee, and we’re grateful to them for helping our citizens stay healthy and have a little fun sporting their favorite brands while they’re at it.”

The CDC recently released new guidance for public events and gatherings, strongly encouraging wearing masks to lower the risk of exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19. As Tennessee safely continues to reopen the economy and residents and travelers alike move about the state, masks have become an important health accessory.

“We are so appreciative of Governor Lee and Commissioner Ezell to include the Nashville Predators in promoting the use of masks so SMASHVILLE can continue to open in the safest possible manner,” Nashville Predators President/CEO Sean Henry said. “By creating SMASHVILLE Strong and Predator-themed masks, we can all show our passion for the Preds while reinforcing the use of face coverings as we work to re-launch the economy and local businesses.”

Each business will distribute branded cloth face coverings at little to no cost across their own channels or with the help of the State of Tennessee, which could include employees, fans or nonprofit partnerships. Companies can visit https://tn.gov/governor/covid-19/economic-recovery/mask-movement for additional information. The general public can also visit the link above to order a TN Strong branded mask.

Participating brands include:

• Amazon
• Austin Peay State University
• Belmont University (courtesy Dickens Family)
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation
• Bridgestone
• Bristol Motor Speedway
• Chevrolet
• East Tennessee State University
• FedEx Express
• Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville of Sevier County
• Gibson Brands
• Graceland
• Jack Daniel’s
• Lipscomb University (courtesy Ezell Foundation)
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Nashville Predators
• Nashville SC (courtesy Ingram Charities, distributed in partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville)
• Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.
• SomethingInked
• Tennessee Bankers Association
• Tennessee Farm Bureau Health Plans
• Tennessee Tech University
• Tennessee Titans
• Tractor Supply Company
• TriStar Health
• Union University
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville (courtesy The Boyd Foundation)
• Unum Group
• Vanderbilt University
• Volkswagen Chattanooga

Tennessee began a phased reopening under the Tennessee Pledge, a plan to help Tennesseans get back to work safely and reboot the economy. Restaurants resumed business with limited capacity on April 27, quickly followed by a number of additional industries enabling tens of thousands of Tennesseans to return to work safely.

About Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group

Governor Bill Lee established the Economic Recovery Group, a joint effort between state departments, members of the legislature, and leaders from the private sector to build guidance to safely reboot Tennessee’s economy. The group is led by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell.