Governor: TN Will Begin Reopening Next Week

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Monday that businesses across the majority of the state will begin reopening as early as next week.

The Republican governor said his mandatory safer-at-home order will expire on April 30, which will pave the way for 89 out of the state’s 95 counties to begin opening businesses.

However, Lee’s announcement does not apply to the state’s counties with the largest cities, including Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby and Sullivan counties — areas that are not overseen by Tennessee’s Department of Health but have their own public health districts.

“While I am not extending the safer at home order past the end of April, we are working directly with our major metropolitan areas to ensure they are in a position to reopen as soon and safely as possible,” Lee said.

Some businesses will be allowed to reopen as early as April 27, but it’s unclear exactly which ones will be granted such clearance. Lee told reporters that such details would be finalized by his economy recovery team later this week.

Most Tennessee state parks will reopen on Friday.


Officials in other states are also moving ahead with plans to relax restrictions in coming days:

Businesses in Ohio are expected to reopen on May 1.

In South Carolina department stores and some other retail businesses that had previously been deemed nonessential would be allowed to reopen on Tuesday, but they must abide by social distancing guidelines. People will also be able to gain access to public beaches on Tuesday.

Parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina are also moving forward with lifting restrictions for entry.

In Georgia, gyms and beauty salons can open beginning Friday. Restaurants and theaters will be allowed to reopen on Monday.

A few days ago in Texas, non-essential businesses were allowed to begin curbside pickup, and this week hospitals may begin to perform some elective surgeries. More announcements are expected on April 27; Texas hopes to let its stay-at-home order to expire April 30.