Thanks to strong private sector partners and Unified-Command’s aggressive strategies, Tennessee is quickly approaching a quarter of a million COVID-19 tests conducted across the state.
The Unified-Command Group has focused its testing efforts on Tennessee’s vulnerable populations, committing to targeted testing in the state’s long-term care facilities, veterans’ homes, and correctional facilities. Additionally, Unified-Command is engaging with local leaders in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga to strategize accessible testing events for vulnerable populations in low-income, high-density residential communities.
In addition to these widespread efforts, the Tennessee National Guard will test more than 10,000 personnel by the end of May.
All 95 local county health departments offer free COVID-19 testing five days a week. Find a full list of locations here.
Executive Order No. 34
Yesterday, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order No. 34, extending Executive Order No. 16 to allow for government bodies to hold meetings remotely until June 30 to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee.
Today, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order No. 35, amending Executive Order No. 30 to allow for the reopening of small group, non-contact entertainment, and recreational venues according to new Economic Recovery Group guidelines.
As businesses reopen across the state, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group released additional guidance today for Recreation, Offices, Lodging, Construction and Manufacturing. Small group, non-contact recreation businesses like bowling alleys, arcades, dance classes, water sports, mini-golf and more will be able to reopen Friday, May 8. The Tennessee Pledge guidelines recommend capacity limits, spacing requirements, and frequent sanitization, among others. Larger venues and activities where social distancing is not feasible remain closed.
“As our testing capacity and contact tracing ability continues to improve, it’s time to get Tennesseans back to work safely and successfully,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “These guidelines were created in partnership with business leaders and health experts to preserve the progress we’ve made and protect the lives and livelihoods of Tennesseans.”
The guidance applies to 89 of the state’s 95 counties. Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan created individual plans in consultation with the State and local health departments to address the unique needs of those individual communities.
Most Lodging, Construction and Manufacturing businesses were considered essential under the governor’s executive orders, while Offices prepare for a return to work in the coming weeks. Guidance for those industries can be found at the following sites:
In addition to strict adherence to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, full guidelines for small group, non-contact recreation businesses are posted online at TNPledge.com and include:
Business Process Adaptations
Sanitize shared resources (such as throwing axes, bowling balls, rented shoes, and other equipment) after each use, and sanitize all high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces (such as counters, check-out areas, keypads, restrooms) every two hours and when visibly dirty
Place hand sanitizer locations in high traffic areas, including check-in/out counters, lobbies, elevator areas, food services entrances, and meeting room entrances, if any
Use plastic shields or barriers between customers and employees at service counters, and clean such shields or barriers frequently (every two hours and when visibly dirty)
Use a clearly designated entrance and a separate clearly designated exit to maintain social distancing
Add social distancing “reminder” signs, such as floor decals and audio announcements to encourage customers to be mindful of maintaining 6-feet of distance
Remove all self-serve items on the premises (e.g., self-service bowling ball, golf club, and other selection stations); have staff provide such items to patrons directly
Limit self-service options (customer samples, communal packaging, food/beverages, etc.). For on-site food and beverage services, follow restaurant guidelines issued by Economic Recovery Group (see full Restaurant guidelines here)
Modify check-in and payment processes to observe social distancing and implement sanitization measures (e.g., no shared pens, use contact-less payments where possible)
Any youth or adult team leagues, activities, or sports should remain closed temporarily to discourage large gatherings (e.g., bowling leagues) (see Executive Order No. 30, as may be amended)
Any activities or areas that are likely to result in physical contact between individuals (e.g., laser tag venues) should be closed temporarily
Any common areas where social distancing is difficult or impossible to maintain (e.g., playgrounds, children’s “ball pits”) should be closed temporarily
Encourage parent / guardian supervision for all children when participating in recreational activities, and ensure that children are able to comply with applicable guidelines (e.g., social distancing, wear face coverings). Note that cloth face coverings should NOT be put on babies and children under age two because of the danger of suffocation
Where possible, customers should be encouraged to schedule appointments or call-ahead reservations
Prohibit use of waiting areas to avoid congregation (e.g., could adopt such practices as notifying customers by call or text message)
Consumer Protection
Screen customers for illness upon entry to the facility
Customers should wear cloth face coverings according to CDC guidance
Limit the number of customers inside any facility at a given time for indoor activities to 50 percent or less of occupancy based on Tennessee’s Building and Fire Code.
Limit group sizes to ensure compliance with state and CDC social distancing guidelines (less than 10 persons):
For example: At bowling centers and mini-golf, limit customers per lane or group (e.g., no more than 6)
Adjust equipment layout and close or restrict access to equipment to maintain appropriate social distancing among customers (e.g., at least 6 feet of separation)
For example: in facilities that have lanes or stations, like bowling centers, golf driving ranges, or axe-throwing establishments, only open every other lane or station
For example: in arcades, limit the number of games so that each game can be spaced more than 6 feet apart
For example: in climbing gyms, only open a portion of climbing paths to customers
Require customers to use only one piece of equipment during their visit (e.g. one bowling ball, putter, or rafting oar)
Require customers to clean equipment they come in contact with using disinfecting wipes before and after each use
Keep doors and windows open where possible and secure to improve ventilation for indoor activities
Recommend that persons more vulnerable or at-risk for COVID-19 as identified by the CDC—including those who are over the age of 65 or those who have severe underlying medical conditions—take extra precaution or refrain from use of the facility during initial phases of re-opening
Employee Protection
Screen and temperature-check all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms
Employees should increase hygiene practices—wash hands more frequently, avoid touching face, practice good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Change any protective garments on a regular basis and sanitize reusable garments such as aprons or smocks at least once per day
Employees should wear a cloth face covering (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC; if masks become wet or visibly dirty, the mask should be replaced
All employees should wash hands between serving each customer, and more frequently as necessary. If appropriate for the service provided, gloves are recommended and should be discarded after each customer. The use of gloves should not be considered a replacement for frequent handwashing
Perform regular disinfection of high-touch surface areas (e.g., door handles, counter space, light switches, tools and instruments) at least every two hours and when visibly dirty
The Economic Recovery Group (ERG), composed of 30 leaders from the public and private sector, is crafting guidance to assist businesses in a safe reopening. The industry representatives participating in the ERG collectively represent over 140,000 Tennessee businesses that employ over 2.5M Tennesseans. More information about ERG is available here.
Today, the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives released guidance for faith communities on gathering together in houses of worship.
“Tennessee’s faith leaders have been incredibly innovative in finding alternative ways to worship that incorporate social distancing so they can continue to provide spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service to their neighbors during these challenging times,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “Religious liberty is important and must be protected, and that’s why the State has always deemed religious services as essential gatherings throughout this pandemic. As we look to reopen our economy in a safe fashion, the decision on in-person gatherings will be up to each individual faith community. We’re confident in their ability to determine the proper time and how to incorporate these guidelines to worship in a way that protects the health of their congregation.”
The full guidelines can be found here and include:
A phased approach to resuming in-person gatherings is recommended. Vulnerable populations (everyone 65 years and older, people with disabilities, people with serious respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, people who are immunocompromised, and others) and children’s activities/nursery programs should not gather in person until a later time.
Consider solutions to minimize close personal contact that may be part of your services, such as handshakes or sharing food and drink.
As the phased approach begins, limit the size of attendance in your sanctuary and other confined spaces to create seating arrangements that provide at least 6-foot distancing between families. It is recommended not to exceed 50% of maximum capacity of the room and should enable full compliance with CDC recommendations for social distancing and hygiene.
Wear face coverings.
Encourage members of the community to stay at home if they are symptomatic, have a fever, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or have traveled internationally or to a domestic hot spot in the past two weeks.
If a member of the congregation has tested positive for COVID-19, consult CDC guidelines and local health department recommendations to determine whether in-person gatherings should cease immediately, the building should close for additional cleaning, or other protocol changes are required.
The Cannon County General Sessions Court will open Tuesday May 5th for bond cases. A list of Courtroom Security Guidelines and procedures have been established and will be followed.
Court security plans to limit human-to-human transmissions of the corona virus by keeping patrons 6 feet apart. Only attorneys, clients, and others directly involved with the case will be allowed entry into the building.
Before entry, patrons will have their temperature scanned. Anyone with a temperature of 100.0 F or above, will be denied entry into the building.
Front Entrance (Outside)
There will be spaces provided 6 feet apart to ensure social distancing.
An officer will be at the station to take temperatures and log them on the sign in sheet.
Court dockets will be separated by alphabetical order to ensure as few patrons are in the court as possible.
Front Entrance (Inside)
There will be one entrance for all patrons entering the building.
All employees and Attorneys will be given access to the building through the West Side entrance.
Once access is granted to the courthouse there will be a station inside the door to provide hand sanitizer and masks.
There will be marks throughout the building to provide suggested placement or patrons to ensure social distancing.
Only one person at a time will be permitted through the screening station.
Courtroom
Seats in the courtroom have been blocked off to ensure patrons are seated 6 feet away.
The juror’s boxes will be reserved for attorneys and court personnel
Only 10 litigants will be allowed in the courtroom at a time.
After each group of 10 leave the courtroom it will be disinfected prior to the next group entering.
The Cannon County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have arrested Jack Leroy Garcia one of the most TBI’s most wanted.
Department of Children Services opened an investigation on Jack Leroy Garcia earlier this year and shortly after that asked for assistance from the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department.
A search of Garcia’s home in the Woodland community turned up numerous devices containing child pornography. At that point, 22 warrants were written against Garcia for sexual exploration of a minor and 5 warrants of especially aggravated sexual exploration of a minor and one aggravated exploration of a minor. Garcia was taken into custody Thursday in Hickman County. At the time of his arrest, other electric devices were in his possession and those are now under review by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
On Thursday, charges were placed against Garcia’s wife for making false statements to investigators after telling authorities she had no contact with him. According to investigators, Jenn Garcia aided and abetted him in Putnam County.
The investigation is ongoing. The couple now reside in the Cannon County Jail.
Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. CDT here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative action.
Key Updates
Widespread COVID-19 Testing Efforts
President Trump announced this week that states should move to test 2% of their population each month. With almost 170,000 residents tested already, Tennessee has met this goal for April and is looking to continue that progress through May.
Unified-Command Group is increasing testing of vulnerable populations in the coming weeks, including widespread testing of all long-term care facilities in Tennessee (more than 700 facilities and 70,000 residents) and additional testing sites in minority communities. The State of Tennessee has partnered with National Health Care Corporation to test all residents and staff within their 38 Tennessee facilities.
Expanded testing continues this weekend (May 2-3) for all Tennesseans regardless of symptoms with new drive-through sites available across each Grand Division. Sites for this can be found here.
Tennesseans can get a test five days a week at county health departments — a full list of sites is available here, and additional information on Tennessee’s aggressive testing push is available here.
Executive Order No. 31
Today, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order 31 to extend the prohibition of non-emergency dental services to Wednesday, May 6, to allow more needed time for the Tennessee Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Hygienist Association, and the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to are continue their work on guidance for safe reopening and practice.
The full text of Executive Order No. 31 can be found here.
Tennessee Pledge: Next Steps for Close Contact Services
Gov. Lee announced that close contact services, such as salons and barbershops, in 89 of Tennessee’s 95 counties will be able to reopen at limited capacity on May 6. Our Economic Recovery Group will release industry-specific guidance for those businesses before the end of this week.
Access up-to-date guidance from the Tennessee Economic Recovery Group:
Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. CDT here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative actions.
Key Updates
Executive Order 30
Executive Order 30 supersedes and repeals Executive Order Nos. 17, 21, 22, 23, 27, and 29, effective Wednesday, April 29, but does not affect Executive Order No. 25 concerning dental and medical procedures, which is currently effective until April 30.
The order allows Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible.
Tennesseans are urged to continue limiting activity and staying home as much as possible to preserve and build on the health progress we’ve made.
All employers and businesses that choose to open are expected to comply with the Governor’s Economic Recovery Group (ERG) Guidelines for operating safely, as well as general health guidelines from the CDC and other government entities.
Social and recreational gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including but not limited to festivals, fairs, parades, youth and adult sporting events, and overnight summer youth camps.
This does not cover places of worship, for which there will be guidelines for safe operation of worship services and gatherings if in-person services are conducted, but the order strongly encourages places of worship to continue virtual or online services where possible.
This does not prohibit weddings and funerals, but encourages postponement of large-gathering components of such events.
Entertainment and recreational gathering venues must remain closed to the public for now, including, but not limited to, bars, night clubs, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, concert and sporting event venues, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, racetracks, indoor children’s play areas, adult entertainment venues, amusement parks, senior centers, and skating rinks.
Limited service restaurants can serve food to customers seated at tables but must follow the ERG Guidelines for restaurants in doing so.
Close-contact personal service businesses must remain closed to the public for now, including, but not limited to, barber shops, salons, spas, body-art/tattoo services, tanning salons, and massage facilities.
Nursing homes and similar retirement and long-term-care facilities must remain closed to visitors, except for critical assistance and in end-of-life situations.
Persons and businesses are urged to take special care to protect and provide for the well-being of vulnerable populations, including by offering delivery or special shopping hours if possible.
Persons with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms are required to stay at home, and employers may not require or allow employees with COVID-19 to work.
Persons are urged to wear a cloth face covering in places where in close proximity to others, especially where social distancing is difficult.
Take-out and delivery alcohol sales by restaurants will continue to be allowed to encourage customers to utilize take-out or delivery options.
Local orders regarding medical or dental procedures are prohibited because preserving PPE is a question that is statewide in scale and shouldn’t be addressed differently in each county.
For the 89 counties without a locally run county health department (all but Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan), this order supersedes any contrary orders or measures, meaning that the counties cannot issue independent orders regarding the opening, closure, or operation of businesses, organizations, or venues covered by this order, though counties may continue issuing or enforcing orders or measures on other matters related to COVID-19, such as opening or closure of their governmental buildings, governing their employees, or dealing with the operation of their local government.
The county health departments in the 6 counties with locally run county health departments (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan) shall have authority to issue orders or measures that permit or restrict to a different degree than this order the opening, closure, or operation of businesses, organizations, or venues, except for places of worship. Otherwise, this order governs on the topics it covers.
Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group announced guidance today for gyms and exercise facilities on how to reopen safely. Gyms will be allowed to reopen in 89 of the state’s 95 counties beginning Friday, May 1. The counties excluded are those with locally-run health departments: Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan.
In addition to strict adherence to CDC guidelines, the State recommends gyms, fitness/exercise facilities, or substantially similar facilities and activities put into place an assortment of measures to protect consumers and employees, including:
Business Process Adaptations
Restrict facility access to staffed hours only (i.e., any unmanned facilities must be manned) and limit facility occupancy to 50 percent of capacity as dictated by fire code (as such capacity is adjusted in consideration of closed areas of the facility pursuant to these guidelines);
Mitigate exposure in the workplace by implementing social distancing guidelines and modify scheduling;
Staff to conduct regular (i.e., every 2 hours) disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, equipment and common areas of the facility using disinfectant cleaning supplies according to CDC guidelines;
Close showers, locker rooms, and lockers until further notice. Ask customers to instead use small gym bags to store personal belongings; remind customers to appropriately monitor or secure such personal belongs or provide a secure area monitored by staff;
Close all swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and other recreational water or spa facilities;
Close all basketball courts, racquetball courts, and other places where formal and informal group or team sports may occur;
Any youth or adult team leagues or sports should remain closed;
Only allow group fitness classes if classes can be completed in accordance with social distancing recommendations (including but not limited to: less than 50% capacity and with more than 6 feet of distance maintained between participants at all times; no shared equipment during the class; sufficiently adjusted class schedules to allow for deep cleaning between classes; martial arts and other contact activities should be completed without any person-to-person contact);
Encourage all employees and customers to wear PPE where applicable, and recommend that customers wear a face covering (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers);
Adjust equipment layout and close or restrict access to equipment to maintain at least six feet of distance between equipment;
Temporarily close water fountains, common areas, break rooms, check-in counters, where customers or employees may congregate. Encourage users to provide their own water;
No self-service options (coffee bars, smoothie stations and other forms of communal food in facilities). Food retail should follow restaurant guidelines;
Ensure that staffing of facilities is sufficient to enable enhanced sanitization and cleaning measures;
Consumer Protection
Screen customers for illness upon entry to the gym:
Best practice: Temperature checks for every customer. Persons with temperatures above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should not be permitted on premise;
Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
Keep doors and windows open where possible to improve ventilation;
Post signs encouraging social distancing (visible to customers);
Require that customers wash or sanitize their hands upon entering and leaving the facility;
Require customers to clean equipment they come in contact with using disinfecting wipes before and after each use;
Encourage customers to use only one piece of equipment at a time (i.e., no circuits or “super setting”) so that machines are cleaned after use;
Consider limiting workout length to avoid unnecessary exposure, decrease congestion, and allow for additional sanitization;
Recommend that persons more vulnerable or at-risk for COVID-19 as identified by the CDC—including those who are over the age of 65 or those who have chronic medical conditions—take extra precaution or refrain from use of the facility during Phase 1 of re-opening.
Employee Protection
Allow employees to work from home as much as possible;
Screen all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms;
Staff should wear face coverings (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC;
Provide training on personal protective equipment based on CDC guidelines;
Provide a sanitizing station such as a wash basin with soap and/or bottle of hand sanitizer;
Practice recommended social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
Additional information on Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Stimulus Accountability
With over $2 billion in one-time federal relief funds from the CARES Act coming to Tennessee, Gov. Lee is engaging directly with the White House and the federal delegation to reduce the strain on our state and local budgets.
Public Health: Gov. Lee and the state’s Unified-Command Group are working to ensure we have a medical and public health response that gets treatment to those who need it, testing to those who want it, and robust contact tracing for those who may have been infected.
Recovery Efforts: Gov. Lee and our Economic Recovery Group are working to ensure that Tennesseans have the resources they need to adapt to a new normal by making sure we get reliable information and guidance out to businesses to operate safely.
Fiscal Stability: This health crisis has placed new demands on our state and local governments, and we have to make sure our taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Tennessee’s bi-partisan Stimulus Accountability Group is working to ensure proper stewardship that serves Tennesseans well.
A portion of these federal funds will be utilized to address the costs for COVID-19 treatment for the uninsured. Tennessee will utilize $30 million in state funding through the Division of TennCare to supplement federal dollars if needed. Health care providers treating the uninsured may file claims with the federal government and be reimbursed for treatment provided on or after February 4.
Current Department of Health Testing Results (as of 2 p.m. 4/28)
Confirmed Cases
Hospitalizations
Fatalities
Recovered
Total Tests
10,052
894
188
4,921
161,928
For more information on COVID-19 in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.
The state of Tennessee began providing economic relief to thousands of self-employed individuals by paying Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits made available to them through the federal government’s CARES Act.
After building the system necessary to accommodate this new benefit, The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) began processing unemployment applications under PUA guidelines set by the United States Department of Labor.
Self-employed individuals are not typically eligible for unemployment. PUA provided the funding necessary to pay benefits to Tennesseans who have not been able to work in order to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Department began processing eligible claims on April 22 and continued processing into the weekend. Tens of thousands of eligible individuals should have funds deposited into their bank accounts or debit cards this week.
In order to process the claims in the most expedient manner possible, all claimants will first receive the minimum weekly PUA benefit of $120 and the additional $600 weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit. Individuals eligible for more than the minimum will see their payments adjusted up over time. Payments are retroactive to March 15 or when the claimant first applied. The FPUC benefit is retroactive back to the week ending April 4.
TDLWD utilized the minimum payment method in order to distribute benefits immediately, and then take the necessary time needed to calculate each claimant’s weekly benefit amount (WBA). Once the Department finalizes a WBA, the claimant will receive the difference between the minimum and their actual benefit in a later payment.
The Department will contact each claimant to request wage information if it has not already been provided. Claimants will also receive instructions on how to become current on any missed weekly certifications. It is extremely important claimants do not make any changes to their claims while they are processing in order to prevent issues that could cause a delay.
PUA provides up to 39 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable state law, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, as defined in the CARES Act. PUA benefits cannot be paid for weeks of unemployment ending after December 31, 2020.
Self-employed Tennesseans can still apply for PUA by visiting www.Jobs4TN.gov or calling 844-432-0969.
Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. CDT here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative actions.
Key Updates
The Tennessee Pledge: Reopening Tennessee
Universal Guidance for Tennessee Businesses can be accessed here.
Restaurant Industry Guidance can be accessed here.
Additional information on Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group is available here.
Weekend Testing Update
This weekend, with the help of the National Guard and Department of Health personnel, we conducted 7,000 free COVID-19 tests to Tennesseans, regardless of traditional symptoms. Unified-Command Group has conducted more than 18,000 tests in a two-week period and contributed to the more than 150,000 tests that have been processed in our state to date.
Aggressive testing is key to the state’s reopen strategy, and we urge more Tennesseans to take advantage of this service, especially those who begin returning to work during our phased re-open. As a reminder, Tennesseans can receive a free COVID-19 test 5 days a week at their local health department.
Drive-through testing sites will also be available during the weekend of May 2-3. A full list of sites is available here, and additional information on Tennessee’s aggressive testing push is available here.
Antibody Testing
As Gov. Lee focuses on expanding COVID-19 testing, the Unified Command Group is working to provide information to help the Tennesseans understand how serology, or antibody, can, and cannot, inform the State’s re-opening strategy.
Although the research is still ongoing, this will give us a first estimate of the number of Tennesseans with COVID-19 antibodies, which will assist us in developing our strategy for more widespread antibody test of the general population. The Tennessee Department of Health will be distributing a technical brief to health care providers in Tennessee with details about antibody testing and its limitations. TDH is also working on a plan to test of up 10,000 health care workers in Tennessee’s public teaching hospitals.
Q: How is a COVID-19 antibody test different than the nasal swab test I received at the health department?
A: An antibody test involves taking a blood sample to detect cells in the body that have previously been exposed to, and fought off, a virus. A nasal swab test only detects whether a patient currently has a viral infection.
Q: It seems there are many antibody tests already available, doesn’t that mean the tests have been approved and proven to be effective?
A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved six COVID-19 antibody tests for clinical use, and most of these have not been widely distributed. There are many antibody tests in the FDA’s pipeline and may ultimately receive approval. However, most of the antibody tests ready for use have not been validated.
Q: Isn’t it better to know whether or not I’ve had COVID-19 by getting an antibody test?
A: The primary issue with these unproven antibody tests is they can give patients false-positive results by detecting other types of coronaviruses, usually the kind that cause the common cold. A false-positive result may lead to a conclusion that a patient has immunity to COVID-19, when what the test really shows is, at some point in time, the patient was exposed to another type of coronavirus and its antibodies are present, not the antibodies for COVID-19.
Q: If I have antibodies in my blood, doesn’t it mean I’m immune to COVID-19?
A: There is not enough data yet on COVID-19 antibody testing to prove having the antibodies will prevent a person from being re-infected with COVID-19. There are some indications most, maybe not all, people who have been infected with COVID-19 will develop antibodies in their blood that can be detected for a period of time. There isn’t enough data to confirm this is true, or if it happens to be true how long the immunity will last.
Administrative Actions
Working with the Trump Administration
Earlier today, Gov. Lee participated in his weekly call with the White House. There was significant conversation around rebooting the economy and expanding testing, both of which we are aggressively pursuing in Tennessee.
The Trump Administration continues to be accessible and insightful as we work together to fight COVID-19 and get our people back to work.
Elective Procedures Resume
On Friday, elective medical procedures will be allowed to resume so Tennessee nurses and other hospital workers can get back to work. It’s important to get hospitals back online with elective procedures so Tennesseans can safely resume more routine services, including scheduling quality of life procedures. Procedures like routine screenings and joint replacements are included in this first wave.
Tennessee State Workforce Update
The State of Tennessee will continue to weigh appropriate measures to ensure we are fiscally conservative through this pandemic. Gov. Lee has directed the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration to temporarily freeze any new non-mission critical hires to our state’s workforce.
At the state level, we will continue to keep employees working from home until May 26th. This means that state services can continue without disruption as we work towards the gradual return of working in office.
Current Department of Health Testing Results (as of 2 p.m. 4/27)
Confirmed Cases
Hospitalizations
Fatalities
Recovered
Total Tests
9,918
837
184
4,720
154,402
On
On the local level, 241 negative tests have been returned in Cannon County. 11 cases are positive. Of those 11 cases, 6 are now listed as recovered.
For more information on COVID-19 in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.
Cannon County High School would like to announce that a very special unique and innovative Graduation Commencement Exercise for the Senior Class of 2020 will be held on Thursday, May 14th, 2020, contingent upon action by the Cannon County Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, 2020. The plan involves videoing groups of the graduating class on a predetermined date adhering to the latest guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education and social distancing guidelines.
This video will be edited by DTC Communications and the entire ceremony will be shown on May 14th, 2020 at 8:00 PM at the Moonlite Drive-In in Woodbury, Tennessee. Each Senior in the CCHS Class of 2020 will receive two car passes for the showing of the graduation ceremony, one pass for the Senior’s vehicle and another pass for an invited guest’s vehicle. Seniors will meet at CCHS at 7:00 PM and will leave the campus at 7:15 PM for an escort by Cannon County and Woodbury Law Enforcement Officials through the Town of Woodbury to the Moonlite Drive-In.
Cannon County Citizens can support the Cannon County High School Class of 2020 by lining the route (adhering to social distancing guidelines) along Main Street (Highway 70S) as the Seniors drive from Cannon County High School to the Moonlite Drive-In located at 931 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190. Radio Station WBRY will be playing the traditional graduation processional song, Pomp and Circumstance, on FM 107.1 and AM 1540, and those community members lining the route can turn up their radios in their vehicles as the CCHS Class of 2020 drive by on Main Street.
The viewing of the 2020 Graduation video will start approximately at 8:00 PM. Diplomas will be handed out at the Moon lite Drive-In after the video showing. ALL Graduates and family members will stay in their vehicles to maintain social distancing during the event. DTC Communications will be airing the video at the same time it is being aired at the Moonlite Drive-In on the DTC Facebook page, DTC Communications website – https://dtc3.tv/, and on DTC Channel 3. Radio Station WBRY will be broadcasting the audio portion on FM 107.1, AM 1540, and livestream audio on the WBRY.com webpage. Cannon Courier will also be sharing the video via their Facebook page.
Cannon County High School Principal Mr. Courtney Nichols commented, “First, I want to apologize that the end of the Class of 2020’s Senior Year has turned out this way. This is not how any of us wanted this year to end. Graduation ceremonies will look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. With this being said, it is imperative that ALL Seniors, family members, and the Cannon County community follow the directions that are provided. Our main goal is to keep Faculty and Staff, Students, Parents and others as safe as possible. The administration at CCHS has contemplated many ideas and suggestions that will make this night very special.”
Cannon County Director of Schools Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “A special thanks to CCHS Principal Mr. Courtney Nichols and CCHS Staff for being very creative and innovative for this special Graduation Commencement for the Class of 2020. This class has endured many adversities which previous classes in Cannon County history have not had to face. We are indebted to DTC Communications for videoing this unique Graduation Commencement Exercise; Moonlite Drive-In owners – Tommy and Connie Higgins for the use of their facility; Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, Woodbury Police Department, and Town of Woodbury for assistance with traffic concerns; Doug Combs with Radio Station WBRY for broadcasting; Keith Ready of the Cannon Courier for his assistance; and certainly the members of the Cannon County Board of Education for their support during this unprecedented situation. On Thursday, April 23rd, 2020, at his Daily Press Briefing, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Commissioner of Education Dr. Penny Schwinn announced the COVID-19: Guidance on High School Graduation Ceremonies and Related Activities. Cannon County Schools are adhering to these guidelines with our CCHS 2020 Graduation Commencement Exercise. And further, all the Cannon County Schools Family appreciate the parents/guardians and family members of the CCHS Class of 2020 for their patience and support during all of these changes in their Seniors’ final year at Cannon County High School. This graduating class personifies “We ARE CANNON” and know that OUR MISSION – “Preparing All Our Students for Their Future” through OUR VISION – “The New E3 – ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day” motivates us to go forward to achieve our Overall Goal: PROVIDE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT!! Even in challenging situations such as this unprecedented one, Cannon County Schools and in particular, the CCHS Class of 2020 shall indeed, “be one for the History books!”
