Timeline

On March 5, Governor Bill Lee reported his state's first case: a man in his 40s in Williamson County who had recently traveled outside the state.^[1]

Government response

On March 12, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No.14 to declare a State of Emergency until it expires on May 11. The Executive Order allows pharmacists to not need authorization to dispense an additional 30-day prescription provided it is to prevent the spread of the virus, allow for alternate COVID-19 testing sites to no longer need approval from the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board so long as the board is notified, restricts an excessive price increase of items and services until March 27, suspends maximum size limitations for vehicles participating in preventing the spread of the virus, and gives the Tennessee Commissioner of Human Services the ability to waive child care requirements as needed.^[2]

On March 13, the Tennessee Supreme Court under Chief Justice Jeff Bivins issued a State of Emergency order applying to the Tennessee judicial branch. The order suspended in-person proceedings until March 31, and extended statutes of limitations and orders of protection that would expire on April 5 or before to April 6.^[3] Additionally, Governor Lee banned traveling be state employees for non-essential government business, while also banning visitors and tours in Nashville.^[4] The Tennessee General Assembly also banned the public from the legislative Cordell Hull Office complex with only members, staff, and media allowed.^[5]