FEMA Suspends Field Operations
Saturday, March 21 at 8:20 p.m.
FEMA and TEMA say the will suspend their in-person disaster recovery operations in Tennessee after Sunday, citing the threat of COVID-19.
The decision means that victims of the Super Tuesday tornadoes will have to apply for aid online or by phone. FEMA had opened offices in Davidson, Wilson and Putnam counties.
Tornado survivors can register, check the status of their applications and get answers to questions about disaster assistance in several ways:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download the FEMA App
- Call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
“Health and safety are FEMA’s highest priorities – for survivors and for FEMA personnel working on recovery,” FEMA federal coordinating officer Myra Shird said in a prepared statement. “We know that survivors need our help and we intend to continue providing assistance even as we take precautions to ensure health and safety in our operations.”
The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is May 4.
— Chas Sisk
Physicians, Mayors Want Governor To Enforce Statewide Shelter In Place
Saturday, March 21 at 6:32 p.m.
Many Tennessee medical professionals want Gov. Bill Lee to declare a 14-day shelter in place for all Tennessee residents, except essential personnel, starting Sunday at midnight.
In a letter signed yesterday by 600 “concerned physicians,” health care providers asked the governor to “to act swiftly on behalf of the citizens of Tennessee.”
“It is our estimation that we have little time to ‘flatten the curve’ on the current situation,” they wrote. “China and South Korea have made great progress by imposing restrictive measures. We ask that Tennessee do the same.”
The authors of the letter wrote that there is a “high likelihood” that Tennessee’s hospitals eventually won’t be able to keep up with the outbreak. They estimated that anywhere between 20% and 60% of the state’s population will get the virus.
“Based on hospital bed availability in Tennessee, we would surge above hospital and ICU bed capacity by 132% and 298%, respectively,” the physicians wrote, adding, “This would prove disastrous.”
In addition to a shelter in place, the authors also recommended that any individuals who have traveled either domestically or internationally self-quarantine for 14 days.
Several national leaders in the medical community signed onto the letter, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center Infectious Disease Chair David Aronoff and President of the American College of Physicians Tracey Doering.
The Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus endorsed the letter today, urging “a uniform response to this challenge.”
Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus The Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus is also asking the governor to require all residents to stay at home.
“We are proud of the selfless response of many local elected and business leaders across our state, but we must also emphasize that our ability to manage the pandemic at the local level is limited and varied,” wrote Ken Moore, Franklin mayor and chair of the caucus. “Moreover, while some businesses have taken swift and decisive action, others need more guidance in order to feel confident in making the necessary, but tough decisions about their operations.”
As of this evening, more than 2,300 people have signed a change.org petition called COVID19-flaTN the curve, which asks the governor to require all nonessential businesses to close and make social distancing mandatory.
Gov. Lee has not make any public announcements yet about whether he plans to enforce a statewide stay-at-home requirement.
— Samantha Max
More Than 100 New Cases Confirmed Since Yesterday
Saturday, March 21 at 2:42 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Health has just reported 143 new cases statewide — from 228 total confirmed cases yesterday to 371 today.
And while people 65 and older face the highest risk of complications from the illness, younger individuals make up the highest portion of cases at this point. The largest number of positive test results have been reported in the 21-to-30 age range, with 122 confirmed cases. By comparison, those in the next two age groups, 31- to 40-year-olds and 41- to 50-year-olds had fewer cases combined.
Thirty-three counties have now confirmed cases. Davidson County accounts for most of the state’s positive test results.
The Department of Health is encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to call their health care provider or one of the state’s coronavirus hotlines. The department just launched a second call center line to field questions about COVID-19.
Operators are available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., at (877) 857-2945 or (833) 556-2476.
— Samantha Max
Libraries Are Closed, But E-Books Aplenty Are Still Available
Saturday, March 21 at 12:06 p.m.
Nashville’s libraries may be closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but book lovers can still get their literary fix from afar.
The Nashville Public Library announced yesterday that it’s ordered an additional 3,000 new eBooks and eAudiobooks, in addition to its already expansive online book, music and video catalog.
Plus, the library has increased the number of items patrons can check out on its Hoopla platform from 10 to 15 per month. Nashville residents who don’t already have a library card can register for a free e-card here.
Library staff have compiled different curated book lists to help patrons get through the pandemic, from “Cozy Crime Classics” and “Laugh Out Loud” children’s novels to “Books to Read When You Have A Lot of Alone Time.”
The library is encouraging readers to get share their #librarymomentsofzen on social media.
— Samantha Max
Updates From This Morning’s Metro Briefing
Saturday, March 21 at 10:25 a.m.
This morning’s briefing started on a somber note, as Mayor John Cooper expressed his condolences for the family of the 73-year-old man who died last night from complications of the coronavirus. It was the first COVID-19 death in Davidson County.
“This loss of life reminds us that, while the majority of people diagnosed with coronavirus have mild symptoms, the virus can be life-threatening,” Cooper said. “And we need to take steps to protect ourselves.”
As of Saturday morning, 133 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Nashville — 23 in the past day. Two people remain hospitalized, while 19 have recovered.
Metro is working to open assessment centers throughout the county, where people experiencing symptoms can get tested, instead of going to the emergency room. However, Alex Jahangir, chair of the board of health, says they need more materials to get those sites up and running.
“We will open them when we have the supplies we need, as well as when we have the supplies to keep our health care workers safe,” Jahangir said. “We are working with our state, federal, as well as private sector partners to make this happen.”
Worldwide shortages of masks and other protective gear in the wake of the global pandemic have left health care providers scrambling for resources.
The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about what supplies were still needed or when the centers will be ready to open.
In the meantime, all bars and restaurants have officially closed for dine-in service, though the mayor encouraged Nashvillians to support businesses by ordering takeout and delivery. Residents can now even order beer to their homes, thanks to new measures approved by Metro’s beer permit board.
Cooper also declared tomorrow a city-wide “day of prayer.” On a conference call with more than 250 faith leaders yesterday, the mayor asked all congregations to pause in-person services, or at least limit them to 10 people or fewer.
The mayor then shared the words of minister Robert Gardenhire, of Schader Lane Church of Christ in North Nashville: “Suspending our physical assemblies is showing our faith, not suspending our faith. Our prayers will be heard, though we may not be in the pews.”
— Samantha Max
Metro Nashville Announces First Coronavirus Death
Metro Health says it’s been notified of the first death of someone from Davidson County from COVID-19.
The department says the victim was “a 73-year-old man with underlying health conditions.” He is one of 110 people in Davidson County who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The majority have experienced mild symptoms, officials say.
“This is a tragic loss of life, and we extend our heartfelt condolences with the family,” Mayor John Cooper said in a statement.
Confirmed cases of coronavirus have ranged from 11 to 73 years old, Metro Health says. Fifteen people have recovered from the virus. According to Metro Health, the rest of isolated at home.
— Chas Sisk
Social Distancing Won’t Hinder Open Meetings, Governor Says
Friday, March 20 at 5:02 p.m.
Gov. Bill Lee has issued an executive order mandating that government officials continue to operate openly and transparently during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As the CDC recommends that people avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, government agencies are limited in their ability to hold public meetings. But earlier today, the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government wrote a letter to the governor urging officials to provide electronic access to the public when they meet.
In his order, Lee wrote that all governing bodies must “make reasonable efforts” to provide live access to their electronic meetings during the outbreak. And if live streaming is not available, they’re required to publish a video or audio recording as soon as possible.
The order will remain in effect until May 18.
— Samantha Max
Nashville Church Sees 15 Coronavirus Cases
Friday, March 20 at 4:34 p.m.
The Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Green Hills is facing a coronavirus outbreak within its congregation.
As of Thursday, 15 members had tested positive for COVID-19. Several others are symptomatic and awaiting test results, according to a press release.
The church’s board chair told WPLN News earlier this week that many of the people who had been diagnosed with the illness had attended a recent event together.
Now, Lead Pastor Chad Scruggs is asking congregants to pray for those who are ill.
“Our greatest physical concern right now is to care for our impacted families and individuals and to ensure that their needs are being met, so that they can recover and get healthy again,” he said in a video shared with congregants.
Scruggs added that all church staff are working from home.
— Samantha Max
Metro Beer Permit Board Changes Rules To Support Bars And Restaurants
Friday, March 20 at 4:00 p.m.
Some Nashville businesses can now make curbside beer deliveries.
The Metropolitan Beer Permit Board voted to adopt the emergency regulations this afternoon, in the hopes of providing some relief to small businesses hit hard by recent order to close restaurants and bars during the coronavirus outbreak.
“This is a huge win for our city because it is a victory for our local industries that have been devastated by back-to-back natural disasters,” the board’s executive director, Benton McDonough, said in a statement. “Not only does this provide for a new stream of revenue in difficult times, but it enables employers in the food, beverage and hospitality industries to keep their staff employed and remain in business.”
The new measures allow businesses with an “on-sale” or “on/off-sale” permit to apply for new, temporary permits to deliver beer, as long as the employees making the drop-offs are at least 21 years old. The board says it’s waiving its $250 application fee, as well.
— Samantha Max
High Demand For Firearms Background Checks Leads To Delays
Friday, March 20 at 3:06 p.m.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says people applying for background checks to buy guns should expect some delays.
That’s because firearms background check requests have nearly doubled in recent days, from 7,901 between Feb. 13 and Feb. 17 to 14,657 between March 12 and March 16. And the TBI says that uptick follow national trends, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
As requests have ramped up, staff have had limited access to TBI facilities, since an employee was diagnosed with the coronavirus earlier this week. An unexpected outage yesterday further slowed the agency’s ability to process requests.
The TBI said in a press release that it is working to adjust employees’ work schedules in order to shorten wait times.
— Samantha Max
Tennessee Department of Labor Sees Increase In Unemployment Claims
Friday, March 20 at 2:32 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is tripling the number of staff members dedicated to processing unemployment claims.
The change in staffing assignments comes amid a large increase in unemployment claims in the state during the coronavirus outbreak.
“As a Department, we are shifting resources to align with our greatest need,” department Commissioner Jeff McCord said in a statement. “The changes we are making will go a long way in keeping up with the demand created.”
As restaurants, bars and other businesses close or operate at a limited capacity to allow for social distancing, many workers are expected to lose their jobs, at least temporarily.
Starting Monday, the department is restricting access to its facilities and is encouraging most of its employees to work from home. However, the customer service office is extending its hours and will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those in need of help can get more information online or over the phone.
— Samantha Max
Schools Close Statewide, At Least Until April
Friday March 20 at 2:02 p.m.
All of Tennessee’s 137 school districts have officially closed, leaving nearly one million students out of the classroom.
Gov. Bill Lee urged schools earlier this week to shut down by today and stay closed at least through March 31.
The state has already canceled its standardized testing for the rest of this year. Yesterday, lawmakers voted unanimously not to mandate that schools test students and waived the requirement for 180 days of classroom instruction.
While schools are closed, students can pick up grab-n-go meals at a handful of locations throughout Davidson County. Some sites opened this week, with more slated to begin distribution on Monday. All children under 18 can receive free meals during the coronavirus outbreak, as long as they pick it up in person.
The Tennessee Department of Education just announced that it’s partnering with an online meal site finder to provide up-to-date information on where families can go for free breakfasts, lunches and dinners to go. That information is available on SchoolMealFinder.com.
— Samantha Max
Canceled Blood Drives Leads to Severe Blood Shortage
Friday, March 20 at 12:25 p.m.
Tennessee health officials are urging people to donate blood.
The American Red Cross says it is facing a “severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during the coronavirus outbreak.”
According to a press release, nearly 4,000 Red Cross blood drives had been canceled as of March 17, resulting in more than 100,000 fewer blood donations than expected. The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood.
Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Lisa Piercey, and Joel Sullivan, the state’s regional executive from the Red Cross, both donated blood today and want other healthy citizens to do the same. The Red Cross says it’s taking added precautions to keep donors, staff and volunteers safe.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced earlier this week that it will host bi-weekly blood drives on its campus. Donors can sign up here.
— Samantha Max
Updates from this Morning’s Metro Briefing
Friday, March 20 at 11:36 a.m.
All Nashville restaurants are being told to stop serving patrons in their restaurants.
Mayor John Cooper announced during a media briefing this morning that Metro’s chief medical director, Michael Caldwell, will sign an order this afternoon limiting restaurant service to takeout only. Gyms and workout studios will also be required to close.
The announcement comes as the number of confirmed cases in Nashville jumps to 110, with 50 new diagnoses in the past 24 hours alone. Davidson County also has 15 residents who have fully recovered from the virus, according to the health department.
Cooper asked local churches to have a “weekend of prayer,” but in a way that incorporates “robust public health protocols.” He and Alex Jahangir, chair of Metro’s board of health, will host a conference call with faith leaders this afternoon to provide advice from health officials about ways to keep congregants safe.
“Even as many of our iconic houses of worship suffered tremendous tornado damage on March 3, Nashville’s faith community banded together in solidarity to help us recover and rebuild in the aftermath,” Cooper said. “Now, as we face the challenge of the coronavirus, we will continue to remain united as a community and grounded in our faith.”
No Disconnects
As many residents still reeling from Super Tuesday’s tornadoes grapple with the economic impacts of social distancing, utility providers announced today that they would ease up their billing practices.
Metro Water Services, Nashville Electric Service and Piedmont Natural Gas have all decided to suspend disconnects for customers who can’t pay their bills right now. They will also waive late fees and offer flexible payment plans upon request.
“Our customer service team will use all the tools we have available to help each individual customer’s situation,” said Eddie Davidson, state government affairs director at Piedmont Natural Gas. “When you get your bill, if you’re having difficulty with it, don’t just throw it away. Call us. We’ll work it out.”
The United Way of Greater Nashville is also trying to support those in need as businesses are forced to shutter and workers start losing their paychecks. Cooper says the organization’s new COVID-19 Response Fund will issue its first grants to organizations providing direct assistance to Davidson County residents today.
Individuals will be able to apply for financial assistance at covid19.nashville.gov, starting this afternoon.
— Samantha Max
Memphis, Too, Orders Bar and Gym Closures
Thursday, March 19 at 5:12 p.m.
Bars and gyms have been ordered to close starting at midnight in Memphis, and restaurants are being required to shift to take-out or delivery service only.
The city is the latest to take similar measures. With some variations, Nashville and Chattanooga have as well.
The mayor of Memphis says his order does not apply to grocery stores, retailers, health care facilities or gas stations.
The Commercial Appeal reports the city is also preparing a drive-thru testing tent.
Shelby County, meanwhile, has declared a state of emergency to give the mayor special decision-making power for the next week.
— Tony Gonzalez
Lee: State Buys Ventilators, But Is Looking For More
Thursday, March 19 at 4:38 p.m.
In a briefing Thursday afternoon, Gov. Bill Lee confirmed 154 cases of coronavirus in Tennessee — the largest day-over-day increase yet. Of those, 15 have been hospitalized.
He also says the state has purchased 570 ventilators, bringing the total on hand in the state to more than 1,000.
“Now let me just say, we are still continuing to pursue ventilators even though that’s doubling our current capacity,” Lee said. “Because we want to get ready in case there is a surge.”
Lee said that on a call with the White House, he was told the federal government has taken steps to reallocate ventilators from providers that have them for outpatient and elective surgeries.
Lee added that the president urged he and other governors to ask providers to suspend elective medical procedures and surgeries to help free up supplies and workers.
— Meribah Knight
Up To 10 VUMC Staffers Have COVID-19, Hospital Makes Space For More Patients
Thursday, March 19 at 3:21 p.m.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center says as many as 10 health care workers have confirmed cases of coronavirus. They’re all isolated at their homes, and CEO Jeff Balser says it does not appear they contracted COVID-19 “through patient contact.”
But he says in a video nurses and doctors getting sick will increasingly make staffing a challenge as more hospitalizations are expected.
“In order to assure we have the people and the supplies to manage the growing demand, we are altering our approach to what is known as elective care,” Balser says.
Vanderbilt isn’t canceling all elective procedures, but Balser says the hospital is attempting to reschedule whenever possible. The hospital is also having more patients sit in their cars rather than crowded waiting rooms.
Vanderbilt is responsible for most of the screening that’s occurred statewide. Davidson County’s number of confirmed coronavirus cases jumped by nearly 30 on Thursday.
— Blake Farmer
TSU To End Normal Operations
Thursday, March 19 at 3:20 p.m.
Tennessee State University is joining the ranks of closed institutions. Dorms will close Saturday and a large portion of university staff will shift to remote work starting next week.
The university president says safety and health have become the top concern. Campus police, maintenance and IT departments will stay on normal hours.
TSU has already shifted to online instruction for all classes, and has cancelled all campus events through the end of April.
— Tony Gonzalez
First Confirmed Rutherford Case Closes State Farm Site
Thursday, March 19 at 3:20 p.m.; updated at 5:19 p.m.
Rutherford County’s first case has been confirmed, and it was traced to an employee at the large State Farm Operations Center in Murfreesboro.
That center was closed Wednesday and a deep cleaning initiated. A letter to staff suggests the facility could reopen next week.
Rutherford County has nine testing locations, but initially withheld the locations out of fear of a flood of patients. After public pressure Thursday, they disclosed those addresses.
Rutherford is one of nearly a dozen Tennessee counties that reported their first confirmed cases Thursday, as the state’s total count increased by more than 50%.
— Tony Gonzalez
Springfield Closes City Offices
Thursday, March 19 at 3:20 p.m.
The city of Springfield, north of Nashville, is one of the latest to declare a state of emergency and close its city offices to the public.
The move came Thursday after a unanimous vote by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
The declaration turns on an emergency management plan for the next 7 days. It allows for special regulations, although officials haven’t shared any thus far.
They say city offices and facilities are closed, but staff remain reachable.
— Tony Gonzalez
Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Reduces Jail Population
Thursday, March 19 at 1:53 p.m.
Nashville’s jails will soon start sending out many low-level offenders to prevent a coronavirus outbreak behind bars.
Sheriff Daron Hall announced this afternoon that his office would expand the criteria for pre-trial release, which allows people accused of minor crimes to go home without paying bail. According to a press release, the sheriff’s office expects the number of participants in the pre-trial release program to double in the coming days.
Inmates on work release will also be sent home. Hall said he is working with Chief Public Defender Martesha Johnson to release medically high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, as well.
The sheriff’s office says misdemeanor arrests have gone up in the past two weeks, while the virus has spread throughout Middle Tennessee. In order to minimize the risk within jails, Hall said the correctional system could not function under a “business as usual” mindset.
“We fully expect to have COVID-19 positive cases in our facilities,” Hall said. “”It’s critical we reduce the inmate population now. As criminal justice leaders we need to take action because of the serious impact this virus will have on the sheriff’s office staff and inmates.”
—Samantha Max
Metro Modifies Process For Pets, Planning And Paperwork
Thursday, March 19 at 12:59 p.m.
There are lots of directives coming from officials across the county in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Here are the latest:
Metro Animal Care and Control will adopt new measures to protect employees and volunteers.
- MACC officers will continue to answer high-priority and emergency calls, while non-emergency calls and activities will be suspended.
- Officers will be instructed to wear personal protection equipment when they are dispatched to involves a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- MACC is unable to accept pets being given up by owners at this time because they require an appointment and thus can’t follow social distancing protocol.
- In following social distancing, MACC is conducting reclaims, adoptions and fosters via appointment.
Metro Planning Department temporarily suspends “walk-in” services.
- Current “walk-in” public services at the front counter are suspended until further notice.
- The department is focusing on the following services: tornado recovery (permit and emergency centers), bonds, payments of fees, and plan reviews.
- All public hearing items of the Planning Commission for the next three meetings (March 26, April 9 and April 23) will be deferred to a future meeting, with the exception of the Capital Improvements Budget.
- Community meetings and design review committees are all postponed.
Nashville’s Register of Deeds will open a secure drop-off slot for documents.
- Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson said in a statement that beginning Friday her office will have a secure drop-off wall slot so people can drop documents without having to interact with personnel. The slot is located inside the administrative entrance to Bridgestone Arena, next to the doors of the Register’s office.
- Documents can still be e-filed and mailed.
— Meribah Knight
Corsair Distillery Giving Away Hand Sanitizer
Thursday, March 19 at 12:15 p.m.
When life sends you a virus, make artisanal hand sanitizer.
That’s the solution one Nashville distillery has come up with, at any rate. Whiskey and gin maker Corsair has begun producing bottles of what it’s calling “Gintervention,” a sanitizer made from 130-proof gin.
The distillery says it’s a liquid, not a gel, but it follows World Health Organization guidance for ethanol hand sanitizer. Bottles are available to businesses and individuals free of charge at its headquarters at 601 Merritt Ave. in Nashville. The sanitizer is not drinkable.
— Chas Sisk
In an effort to assist our community during this difficult time, we are donating bulk 750 mL bottles of our ‘Gintervention’: a #sanitizer distilled from gin, to local restaurants, food service, bottle shops and community organizations. Individuals who need bulk too. 1/
— Corsair Artisan Distillery (@corsairartisan) March 19, 2020
Tennessee Transit Systems Adjusting To Outbreak
Thursday, March 19 at 11:44 a.m.
Transit continues to function in Middle Tennessee under various modifications.
In Nashville, WeGo has been under an increased disinfecting schedule for the past week, in both buses and facilities.
The agency says it is continuing normal service “due to the fact that many of our customers use public transit for a number of vital services — accessing grocery stores for food, healthcare, work.”
WeGo is advising passengers to be mindful of the various “high touch” surfaces that they may encounter, including fare boxes, railings, pull cords and seat backs.
A spokeswoman tells WPLN that early estimates show ridership is down about 40%, in part because students aren’t riding. Roughly 16,000 trips happened Wednesday.
“That being said, we’re not concerned that ridership is down right now,” said WeGo’s Amanda Clelland. “We’re glad folks are following the directive to practice social distancing.”
In Clarksville, the city bus system has stopped collecting fairs until at least April 2.
The system’s director said the move is an effort to reduce transmissions of COVID-19, especially through cash transactions. The service is encouraging riders to only travel when necessary and to use social distancing on buses and at stops.
In Murfreesboro, the Rover system is functioning largely as usual. But officials have altered one route to accommodate screening and security measures at the Veterans Affairs hospital.
— Alexis Marshall and Tony Gonzalez
Chattanooga Mayor Orders Closures For Bars, Restaurants And Gyms
Thursday, March 19 at 10:37 a.m.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke issued an executive order this morning ordering all bars and restaurants to stop offering dine-in services. The order also mandates all gyms and fitness centers to close.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the order gives the city’s police department, fire marshal and building inspector the authority to close locations that violate the order, effective today.
Berke says his thoughts are with service industry workers who are impacted by coronavirus-related disruptions.
“Our office will do everything we can to connect our small business owners and workers with resources to help get them through this difficult time,” Berke tweeted this morning.
The order still allows businesses to offer take-out, drive-thru and delivery services.
— Alexis Marshall
As COVID Cases Rise, Nashville Health Officials Say They Are Close To Opening A Testing Site
Thursday, March 19 at 10:21 a.m.
At a daily briefing Thursday, Nashville officials said Davidson County has a total of 60 confirmed cases of coronavirus, an increase of 14 since the day before. Two people are hospitalized, and the other 58 are self-quarantined with “mild” symptoms. Those infected range from 11 years old to 73.
Dr. Alex Jahangir, the chair of Metro’s board of health, said they are working on setting up community testing sites. One will be inspected today and shown to the media.
Metro school’s chief, Adrienne Battle, said while schools are out until at least April 3, the district will not be implementing online remote learning.
“This is an equity issue,” she said. “Quite simply, not all students and families have the necessary devices and internet access required to conduct remote learning.”
She added that the state has requested federal waivers on standardized tests and that MNPS plans to ask for a waiver, meaning no TN Ready test this year.
MNPS is also offering breakfast and lunch to students under the age of 18 at 15 school locations, she said. They have a release about it here. And a map of where to go for meals here.
Meanwhile, the Frist Foundation has donated $1 million to the city’s newly formed COVID-19 Response Fund, Mayor John Cooper said, bringing to total to more than $2 million.
Residents in need of relief are advised to contact 2-1-1, a 24-hour helpline managed by the nonprofit United Way, to get more information about the distribution process. The money is intended to help residents who have lost wages due to the coronavirus.
— Meribah Knight
Nissan And GM To Close Plants
Thursday, March 19 at 7:15 a.m.
Automakers are closing their plants this week because of the coronavirus pandemic. Production is being suspended in both unionized plants and non-union facilities in the South.
Nissan, which runs one of the largest car plants in the U.S., has announced it will suspend operations through at least April 6. That includes its flagship plant in Smyrna with more than 7,000 workers, as well as its engine plant in Decherd and another assembly plant in Mississippi.
A spokesperson says employees will continue to be paid during the next few weeks and that there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among its workers.
General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler are also closing to deep clean their plants. The UAW says workers will get most of their pay during the downtime.
GM’s plant in Spring Hill, which makes several GMC and Cadillac SUVs, represents nearly 4,000 jobs is the area’s largest employer.
Aside from health concerns, automakers are expecting far less demand. In terms of reopening plants, GM says the decision will be “week-to-week.”
— Blake Farmer
Metro Schools Moves To Address Closure
Wednesday, March 18 at 5 p.m.
Metro Nashville Public Schools is sharing digital learning tools with parents amid the city’s public health emergency.
The district is keeping kids home until at least April 3 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Even though classes are out, that doesn’t mean education should end. We want students to have every opportunity to learn, even when they can’t be at school with their teachers,” says Schools Director Adrienne Battle.
Learning tools include online textbooks, and teaching resources for at-home reading, math and history classes.
— Damon Mitchell
Metro Nashville And Clarksville Declare States of Emergency
Wednesday, March 18 at 4:15 p.m.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper and the City of Clarksville are declaring a state of emergency.
The orders were released today. Cooper’s order directs all Metro departments to assist the city’s health officials in enforcing public health orders.
“A coordinated response is the most effective response, and a declaration of emergency provides Metro Government and all our local partners with responsible but rapid resourcing and decision-making capabilities to overcome the challenge of the coronavirus,” says Mayor Cooper.
The city says it’s working with health providers to set up a phone hotline for residents feeling ill, and are partnering with health providers to establish COVID-19 testing centers.
updated March 19, 7:15 a.m.
Robertson County also declared a state of emergency after its first case of coronavirus was confirmed Wednesday.
— Damon Mitchell
Nashville Clerk Closing Main Office, Green Hills Location
Wednesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m.
The Davison County Clerk’s Office is closing its main and Green Hills branches to the general public, until further notice. The change takes effective tomorrow.
“Citizens have been encouraged to take social distancing precautions to inhibit the possible spread of COVID-19. The configuration of the satellite offices that will remain open are more than adequate for service delivery while we do our part in helping keep Nashville safe and healthy,” said Davidson County Clerk Brenda Wynn in a statement.
The office’s North, South, Madison and Hermitage locations will remain open. Business license and passport applications will be processed in Hermitage only. Vehicle tags can be renewed by mail, and at the South and Madison kiosks.
They’re asking residents to complete marriage license applications and vehicle renewals online.
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
South Police Precinct, 5101 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211
- Motor vehicle title and registration services
- Self-service registration renewal kiosk available
- Marriage license applications
- Notary applications
Hermitage Police Precinct, 3701 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076
- Motor vehicle title and registration services
- Business license applications
- Passport applications, by appointments only
Bodenhamer North Police Precinct, 2231 26th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Motor vehicle title and registration services
- Dealer work and noting of liens, drop offs only
Madison Branch, 501 Heritage Drive, Madison, TN 37115
- Motor vehicle title and registration services
- Self-service registration renewal kiosk available
The branches will close from noon to 1 p.m.
— Damon Mitchell
Nashville Wants To Move Quickly On COVID-19 Relief Funds
Wednesday, March 18 at 11:18 a.m.
Nashville leaders announced today that payments from the city’s COVID-19 Response Fund could be made as early as this week.
Residents in need of relief are advised to contact 2-1-1, a 24-hour helpline managed by the nonprofit United Way, to get more information about the distribution process. The money is intended to help residents and small businesses who have lost wages due to the coronavirus.
“[The line] will direct people to the providers in the community that are already set up and are dealing with tornado victims,” said Brian Hassett, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Nashville. “We plan to ramp up the effort, fund them as quickly as possible to meet the needs as they develop.”
The fund has over $1 million in contributions.
— Damon Mitchell
Metro Public Works Closing Convenience Centers
Wednesday, March 18 at 9:44 a.m.
Metro Public Works has announced it will temporarily close its convenience centers to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
The department says trash, recycling and brush pick-up will not be affected.
Other changes include:
- All Public Works employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so.
- All hubNashville call center employees will be working from home until further notice.
- The Public Works’ Right-of-Way Permits Office will be closed to the public. Permits will continue to be issued via email rather than in-person.
- Metro Convenience Centers will temporarily close to the public until further notice. Staff will be evaluating how to minimize contact with the public at all locations, and will reopen as soon as possible.
- Residents looking to replace or purchase additional trash carts should make their request through hubNashville. They will not be able to do so in person.
- Metro Beautification is suspending its court-ordered community service program for the rest of the week.
- The Transportation Licensing Commission Office will be closed to the public until further notice.
In addition, the department says vehicle inspections will be postponed. They’re asking companies and drivers to contact the transportation commission at [email protected].
Public Works says most operational functions will be business as usual, but are making the changes to protect the health of its employees.
— Damon Mitchell
YMCA Closes All Locations
Tuesday, March 17 at 5:20 p.m.
The YMCA of Middle Tennessee had already canceled group classes and youth activities. Now its closing all locations for at least two weeks.
Even after that, the Y says it will act based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has issued much stricter guidance for the next eight weeks.
The Y closed its Brentwood and Christ Church locations over the weekend after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.
Metro Parks has also closed its fitness facilities indefinitely.
— Blake Farmer
Surging Hotline Calls Push Tennessee To Open A Second Line
Tuesday, March 17 at 4:18 p.m
Tennessee’s hotline for patients concerned about having the coronavirus is completing about 900 calls a day. But Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey acknowledges many more are never making it through and hanging up.
“In full transparency, we’ve also got about that many on hold,” she said Tuesday, “so we took the definitive action of saying we need a second option.”
State officials say they are opening a second call center to double the current capacity. It will be staffed partially by volunteers.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is operating a separate call center, as is the Metro Public Health Department.
The call centers are guiding people to an expanding list of remote testing sites and primary care providers. Combined, they’re administering a few hundred coronavirus tests a day statewide.
— Blake Farmer
State Will Offer Subsidies For Needy Families Impacted By Virus
Tuesday, March 17 at 4:05 p.m
Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday that families impacted by the coronavirus may be eligible for a public subsidy. In a press conference he said a family of five may receive up to $1,000 in federal TANF funding — or temporary assistance for needy families.
“Our TANF funds are at an all-time high in our state,” Lee said. “And we expect there will be a significant need for TANF funding to provide assistance for needy families in Tennessee over the next months as the economy declines.”
Tennessee’s Department of Human Services has come under scrutiny in recent months for stockpiling more than $730 million in unused funds. It amassed the largest surplus of any state, despite the fact that almost of quarter of Tennessee children live in poverty.
Lee also said that those who lose employment as a result of Covid-19 will be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. He added that his administration will decrease the wait-time for initial payments and will look to waive a job search requirement.
— Meribah Knight
Fort Campbell Closes Schools And Limits Travel
Tuesday, March 17 at 2:55 p.m.
Fort Campbell is closing schools on its base and banning soldiers from traveling more than 80 miles outside the base, among several measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Army installation commanders answered questions in a Facebook livestream.
They said 14 people on the base have been tested for coronavirus; 11 tests are negative and three are pending.
Fort Campbell Senior Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Brian Winski said the 80-mile travel limit will allow soldiers to visit cities like Paducah and Nashville while restricting movement in a way that has slowed down coronavirus outbreaks elsewhere in the world.
“When you look at what stemmed the tide in Daegu, [South] Korea, and is starting to stem the tide in northern Italy, it stops people from moving and spreading it out,” Winski said. “To turn that mountain of medical emergencies into more of a gentle slope.”
Winski said some soldiers are being quarantined in a barracks building because of travel to certain regions with outbreaks.
Commanders said a decision will be made toward the end of the month regarding whether school closures will continue.
Guests are still allowed on the base. All scheduled surgeries at Blanchfield Community Army Hospital will also continue.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is uncharted territory for all of us,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker. “ ‘Business as usual,’ we can’t do in this environment.”
— Liam Niemeyer, WKMS
Nashville Mayor Creates ‘Covid-19 Response Fund’
Tuesday, March 17 at 1:50 p.m.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced the formation of a Covid-19 Response Fund on Tuesday. It will be managed by United Way of Greater Nashville and chaired by former Sen. Bill Frist.
The newly established fund will launch with more than $1 million and plans to deploy resources to community-based organizations who serve the most vulnerable residents — those who become ill with the virus, or those who may lose their income due to the advised “social distancing” happening across the city and beyond.
Officials said the emergency grants will be released on a “rolling basis” as fundraising continues.
“This is new territory for the greater Nashville region and for the country,” wrote Brian Hassett, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “People are really going to be struggling to make ends meet and we want to do everything we can to show them that we are here to help.”
— Meribah Knight
Metro Parks To Close Facilities Until April, At Least
Tuesday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Nashville’s Metro Parks Department will be closing all facilities Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and they will remain closed until at least April 6.
Golf courses, parks, greenways and dog parks will remain open, they added.
However, the agency is urging people to use social distancing protocols.
— Meribah Knight
Metro Council Will Abbreviate Meeting, With Special Seating
Tuesday, March 17 at 10:25 a.m.
Nashville’s Metro Council is dramatically scaling back its meeting Tuesday night, and intends to pass just eight critical measures.
By its nature, the 40-member council — plus support staff — is larger than the recommended size for gatherings.
The council also canceled its committee meetings and will have special seating arrangements to separate members.
In an email sent this morning, Vice Mayor Jim Shulman said he wants to pass eight measures related to city finances.
He said other important bills could be considered if a member makes a request but cautioned that he’ll set a high bar. “I mean it better be vital,” Shulman wrote.
In a emailed statement, Shulman added that the council chamber has been disinfected and the room “will be appropriately marked and cordoned off to practice social distancing measures as recommended by Metro Public Health officials and the CDC.”
Also, the committee rooms and hallway in the Metro Clerk’s office area will be closed to the public starting at 4:30 p.m. He wrote that council members, council staff, and Metro Clerk’s staff are the only individuals that will be permitted on the floor this evening.
— Tony Gonzalez
Davidson County Suspends Evictions
Tuesday, March 17 at 8:45 a.m.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office says it will halt all evictions and service of civil papers until further notice, with “few exceptions.”
Sheriff Daron Hall says papers will still be served related to “orders of protection, child custody orders, papers related to protection of elderly or vulnerable persons, and emergency mental health orders.”
Nashville follows the lead of larger cities such as New York, Boston and Seattle with larger counts of coronavirus cases. Most of the suspensions last at least a month. But Davidson County’s eviction suspension has no time table, according to the announcement.
— Blake Farmer
Metro Nashville Public Schools Will Distribute Meals At Various Locations
Monday, March 16 at 8:05 p.m.
Metro Nashville Public Schools has announced it will start offering free meals for students while schools are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Between 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, families will be able to pick up bags and boxes filled with food at nine locations. The meals will be provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and The Bridge Ministry.
Pickup locations include:
- Antioch High School: 1900 Hobson Pike, Antioch, TN 37013
- Buena Vista Elementary School: 1531 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Cole Elementary School: 5060 Colemont Dr, Antioch, TN 37013
- Donelson Middle School: 110 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
- Haywood Elementary School: 3790 Turley Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
- Inglewood Elementary School: 1700 Riverside Dr, Nashville, TN 37216
- J.E. Moss Elementary School: 4701 Bowfield Dr, Antioch, TN 37013
- Jere Baxter Middle School: 350 Hart Ln, Nashville, TN 37207
- Napier Elementary School: 67 Fairfield Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
Beginning next Monday, March 23, kids and teens can also get free breakfast and lunch at various schools. Anyone under 18 can get a meal, even if they’re not enrolled at school, as long as they pick it up themselves. The packaged meals will be available for pickup between 8 and 9 a.m. and between noon and 1:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Apollo Middle School: 631 Richards Rd, Antioch, TN 37013
- Buena Vista Elementary School: 1531 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Cole Elementary School: 5060 Colemont Dr, Antioch, TN 37013
- DuPont Elementary School: 1311 9th St, Old Hickory, TN 37138
- Glencliff High School: 160 Antioch Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
- H.G. Hill Middle School: 150 Davidson Rd, Nashville, TN 37205
- I.T. Creswell Middle School: 3500 John Mallette Dr, Nashville, TN 37218
- Lakeview Elementary School: 455 Rural Hill Rd, Nashville, TN 37217
- Madison Middle School: 300 W Old Hickory Blvd, Madison, TN 37115
- McKissack Middle School: 915 38th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
- Napier Elementary School: 67 Fairfield Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
- Rose Park Middle School: 1025 9th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Shwab Elementary School: 1500 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
- Stratford STEM Magnet High School: 1800 Stratford Ave, Nashville, TN 37216
- Two Rivers Middle School: 2991 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
—Samantha Max
Nashville Hospitality Company Takes The Lead On Social Distancing
Monday, March 16 at 4:37 p.m.
The CEO of Ryman Hospitality says the Nashville-based convention center company will ‘lead by example’ to stop the spread of coronavirus.
At a press conference at the health department Monday afternoon, Colin Reed the company took doctors’ advice last weekend, when the Grand Ole Opry played without an audience for the first time since Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.
Reed said bring thousands of people together was “not a good thing in this environment.”
“We have to stop people kissing and hugging and loving and dancing and partying for a short period of time, because, if we don’t, you know, we will not be able to bring this entertainment community back together in the foreseeable future,” he said.
Ryman Hospitality owns several of the country’s largest convention centers, including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which houses the Grand Ole Opry. Reed says the company has lost $3 billion over last three weeks, due to empty hotel rooms and cancelled meetings.
Reed didn’t specify if any of Ryman’s businesses would close temporarily. However, he said employees will be paid for at least the next month.
“It would be naive of me to say that there are many, many small businesses that can do the same thing. They can’t,” he said. “And my appeal to the leadership of the state of Tennessee is to figure out a way in which this state supports the men and women who come to work to generate so much economic wealth to the state.”
—Samantha Max
Nashville Takes Extra Measures To Inform Citizens, Provide Health Care
Monday, March 16 at 3:18
Nashville residents will soon be able to get more information about the coronavirus through a new COVID-19 hotline.
The Metro Health Department is working to get a hotline up and running for those who have questions or think they might be sick. They’re also creating assessment centers throughout the county, where people can get tested, instead of going to the emergency room.
Metro Board of Health Chairman Alex Jahangir said at a press conference this afternoon that the centers would not replace hospitals, but rather, supplement them. He said both the hotline and the assessment centers will be available later this week.
Additionally, a Metro website will soon go live with information about coronavirus’ impact on the county. The site will include updates from the city, local hospitals and community partners on city utilities, public safety, parks and recreation, schools and transportation.
—Samantha Max
Metro Schools To Close Through Apr. 3
Monday, March 16 at 3:04 p.m.
Metro Nashville Public Schools will stay closed through at least Friday, Apr. 3. The district made the announcement hours after Gov. Bill Lee asks schools not to open before the end of the month.
In the meantime, central office staff have been asked to work from home. School facilities will also be closed to any outside organizations, besides those providing emergency assistance to students and their families.
“We are all being tested by the COVID-19 public health crisis and the impact of the tornadoes,” Director of Schools Adrienne Battle said in a statement. “Our focus should be giving students and teachers time to heal from what have been two back-to-back traumatic experiences in Nashville, and the state should give districts the flexibility to address their needs.”
According to the press release, third-quarter grades and testing will be postponed indefinitely. Battle has asked the state to allow schools to be flexible with their plans for the remainder of the year.
While schools are closed, MNPS says it will partner with several organizations to provide food boxes, grab-and-go lunches and other meals for children and families in need.
—Samantha Max
Governor Says All Schools Should Close To Prevent Spread Of Virus
Monday, March 16 at 10:40 a.m.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is urging all school districts to shut down “as soon as practically possible.”
In a statement issued Monday morning, the governor said all schools are “expected” to close by Friday, March 20, and should remain closed at least through the end of the month, “to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease.” Lee said his office would provide more guidance before March 31.
However, the statement did not order schools districts, outright, to close.
“Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts,” Lee said. “We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need.”
Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn thanked Lee for “encouraging” schools to close. In her own statement, she said the Department of Education has been coordinating with school districts about how to maintain both academic instruction and other services that students rely on, like meals.
— Samantha Max
Health Board Votes To Shut Down Bars Across Davidson County
Sunday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m.
The Nashville Board of Health voted unanimously this afternoon to declare a public health emergency.
This allows health director Michael Caldwell to close bars throughout Davidson County, not just on Lower Broadway. It also gives the health director latitude to decide which establishments qualify as bars.
“We need to maintain the social fabric as best we can, but we need to maintain that physical distance,” Caldwell said during the special-called meeting.
The largest honky-tonk owners have already said they intend to resist closure.
“In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner will continue to remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Governor of Tennessee,” owner Steve Smith says in a statement.
— Blake Farmer
Nashville Calling A Public Health Emergency With 17 Cases, First Hospitalization
Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Nashville’s board of health will meet this afternoon to consider declaring a public health emergency and shutting down the Lower Broadway honkey tonks.
The typical weekend party went on as usual Saturday, according to the Tennessean, despite cancelation of the SEC men’s basketball tournament.
Mayor John Cooper requests the board of health take action that would close bars on Lower Broadway until further notice. He also wants all restaurants in Davidson County required to operate at less than 50% capacity, capped at 100 patrons.
“We understand these changes create a hardship, especially for businesses and their employees, and we hope it will be short lived,” Cooper says in a statement. “As a priority, Metro Government will be focused on how to provide relief for local workers and address the inevitable hardship that these social distancing measures will have on local businesses.”
The number of coronavirus confirmations continues to climb, as expected. Davidson County now has 17 cases, including its first elderly patient. The age range is now 11-73. Also, city health officials confirm the first hospitalized patient from Davidson County, though there could be patients from other counties in Nashville hospitals, according to a spokesman.
Nashville and Williamson County continue to be the focal point as the global pandemic reaches Tennessee. Williamson now has 14 cases. State public health officials have given no details on those patients since the first was identified by age and gender.
Statewide, 39 patients have been confirmed to have coronavirus.
— Blake Farmer
Covenant Presbyterian Discloses ‘Several Positive Cases’
Sunday, March 15 at 12:00 p.m.
Organizations are beginning to warn of known coronavirus cases at their gatherings.
The Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Green Hills say they were made aware this week of “several positive cases.”
“Many of those who tested positive attended a recent event and everyone in attendance at that event has been notified,” board chair Jeremy Kath said in a written statement to WPLN.
The church and school says it is working with the Metro Public Health Department to communicate to their communities. But public health officials will not confirm to WPLN, citing patient privacy.
Covenant’s leadership is also citing patient privacy in limiting the information it will release about what recent event led to the outbreak or how many people are affected.
“We want you to know that we are legally bound to protect the privacy of those infected, so we cannot comment on names or circumstances,” lead pastor Chad Scruggs said in a post to members. “We also ask you to please refrain from speculative gossip, and instead pray for the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Covenant is the first organization to publicize multiple infections related to a particular event, though the YMCA, Battle Ground Academy and LEAD Southeast have acknowledged a confirmed case among staff, parents or students, respectively. The only way the public has learned of these cases is through disclosure by the organization itself.
— Blake Farmer
YMCA Ends Group Classes, Closes Two Brentwood Locations After Employee Contracts Coronavirus
Sunday, March 15 at 7 a.m.
An employee at the Brentwood Family YMCA on Concord Road tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the closure of two facilities.
“The staff member in question last worked on March 5 and has not been in the Brentwood Y since,” the YMCA of Middle Tennessee says in a statement. “However, out of an abundance of caution, we have closed the Brentwood Y in order to perform a professional deep cleaning of the entire building per CDC guidelines.”
The Christ Church Y on Old Hickory Blvd. is also closed because the facility shares so many staff members with the Brentwood location. Both sites will get a deep cleaning with plans to reopen later this week.
However, the YMCA is suspending all group programming indefinitely, including group fitness classes and children’s activities.
Gyms and fitness studios have closed around the country as coronavirus cases mount in big cities like Boston and New York. National chains such as Planet Fitness and Orange Theory have remained open but say they have increased disinfectant efforts as well as limited “partner workouts.”
— Blake Farmer
Tennessee Confirms More Cases Of Coronavirus
Saturday, March 14 at 2:20 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Health now says the number of confirmed cases in the state is 32.
As of Saturday afternoon, 14 of the positive cases have been tested through the state, while 18 of them through private laboratories.
The counties reporting cases are Davidson (14), Williamson (10), Shelby (2), Campbell (1), Hamilton (1), Jefferson (1), Knox (1), Rutherford (1) and Sullivan (1).
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt University announced Saturday that a non-residential student who was on campus last week has tested positive for coronavirus. The university said the student is in self-isolation off campus.
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Nashville Announces Three New Cases, Still None In High-Risk Age Range
Saturday, March 14 at 8:30 a.m.
The Metro Public Health Department is offering a few more details about coronavirus cases in Davidson County. So far, the age range is between 11-50 years old. That means there are some children who’ve tested positive, but no one over 60 has a confirmed case.
The department announced three additional cases this morning, bringing the city’s total to 13. All of them are self-isolating at home and are described as having “mild and manageable symptoms.”
— Blake Farmer
Tennessee Capitol Closes To Public, State Employees Cease Non-Essential Travel
Friday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Gov. Bill Lee announced Friday afternoon that state employees have been instructed to cancel all non-essential travel effective immediately through March 31.
He also said that about 11,000 state employees who are certified to work from home will do so now.
The latest guidance also discourages events of 250 people or more in Tennessee.
“COVID-19 is an evolving situation, but we urge vulnerable populations, including those over age 60 and with chronic medical conditions to limit participation in mass gatherings and to take extra precautions for personal well-being like increased hand-washing,” Lee said in a statement.
Additionally, Lee said the Tennessee State Capitol will be closed to tours and visitors until the end of the month. Members of the press will still be allowed inside the building.
Lee, however, stopped short of mandating school districts to suspend classes. He said they have been “advised to exercise discretion,” and to consider the prevalence of the disease in their area.
“In partnership with districts, students who depend on school-provided meals will still receive this support, regardless of school closure,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Randy McNally announced Friday afternoon that Cordell Hull legislative building will also be closed to the general public. That’s the building where lawmakers have their offices.
According to the statement, only elected members, staff and press will be allowed.
“The citizens of Tennessee will still be able to access the work they have elected us to do through the livestreaming services available on our website,” the statement said.
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Rutherford County Case Confirmed, Schools Follow Suit And Close
Friday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m.
Rutherford County has its first case of coronavirus, prompting the public school system to close next week.
“We have been told it is an adult but we do not know yet if the individual has connections to any of our schools. We expect to learn more soon,” Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans says in a statement sent to parents.
Davidson County now has more confirmed cases of coronavirus than anywhere else in the state. Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center says that’s no surprise, given the recent expansion of testing.
“The harder you look, the more you’ll find,” he said at a press conference Friday afternoon. “And we anticipate there are — we don’t know how many — more cases of coronavirus infection in Davidson County, and in the state of Tennessee and indeed in the whole country.”
Of the 10 cases confirmed so far in the city, public health officials say it’s still unclear how many of them are connected. But they are expecting to find that coronavirus is now spreading in the community, rather than related to travel.
Statewide, 26 cases have been confirmed after a big jump in the number of tests administered in recent days by private labs. Chattanooga also has its first confirmed case.
Courts Limit In-Person Proceedings To Slow Spread Of Virus
Friday, March 13 at 1:54 p.m.
The chief justice of Tennessee’s Supreme Court has declared a state of emergency for the state’s entire judicial system.
A court order signed this morning suspends most in-person proceedings in both state and local courts until at least March 31.
Exceptions will be made in certain cases, including jury trials already in progress, emergency child custody orders and proceedings directly related to COVID-19. The order allows judges to decide when to make exceptions, with approval from the chief justice.
And when in-person is not possible, proceedings can be held over the phone, through video conference or by email.
The order also urges judges and court clerks to limit their contact with others and communicate remotely as much as possible. Court offices will stay open for the time being. But should they need to close, officials will still be available through phone and email during normal business hours.
Nashville’s General Sessions Court announced this afternoon that it would operate on an abbreviated schedule at least through April 9.
— Samantha Max
Responding To Virus, Nashville’s Public Defender Asks For Court Changes And Jail Release
Friday, March 13 at 7 a.m.
The public defender in Nashville is asking for precautionary measures in court and at local jails to minimize the threat of COVID-19.
The office says its defense attorneys will begin making several requests in court. For one, they are asking that “non-essential” cases be delayed, especially when the defendant is free on bond.
The defenders are also worried about the spread of the virus in jails and prisons, which tend to be crowded with vulnerable inmates who are prone to sickness.
They’re calling for inmates who don’t pose a public danger to be released under a promise that they’ll return to court when called. And they’ll be asking judges for sentences that don’t include time in custody.
Jails in Nashville and Williamson County have already limited face-to-face contact. All Tennessee prisons have suspended visitation and have begun screening staff for symptoms.
— Tony Gonzalez
NRA Cancels National Convention Planned For Nashville
Thursday, March 12 at 8:15 p.m.
The National Rifle Association has called off its annual convention, which was going to be hosted in Nashville April 16-18.
“We have reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s NRA Annual Meeting,” the gun-rights group said in a message to members. “We sincerely regret the need for this action, particularly for our many loyal members who join us for this annual celebration of the NRA and our constitutional freedoms.”
The NRA says one deciding factor was the state of emergency declared earlier in the day for Tennessee.
In 2015, the NRA gathering brought nearly 80,000 people to Nashville.
— Blake Farmer
SEC, Other Sporting Events Cancelled
Thursday, March 12 at 5:25 p.m.
This week’s SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville is one of the latest large gatherings to be cancelled in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Some sports fans and broadcast personalities have been critical of the decision to cancel the event. But SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey tells ESPN the decision was not made lightly.
“I’m not an infectious disease researcher or specialist. I’m not an immunologist. So you have to listen to what’s being communicated,” Sankey says. “And we have a responsibility, because we have a public health that has arisen, to see if we can stop this spread.”
The SEC allowed two games to be played in front of fans at Bridgestone Arena last night and made the call this morning to cancel the remainder of the tournament. The tournament is one of the biggest sports events on the Nashville calendar, bringing in thousands of fans and millions in economic impact.
Fans will also have to wait to watch baseball in Nashville. Opening day for the Nashville Sounds was slated for April 9, but Minor League Baseball announced it would delay the start of the 2020 season.
That goes for hockey, too: The National Hockey League announced today that it will pause its 2019-2020 season, starting tonight. Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry said at a news conference this afternoon that the decision “wasn’t easy,” but that it was the “right thing.” He said the league needs to give players, employees and fans some time to self-isolate.
Henry said he doesn’t know when the season will resume. But he added that “the goal is to get back to what we all love: a normal, healthy, community, where our team gets a chance to bring people’s spirits up.”
— Jason Moon Wilkins and Samantha Max
Metro Schools To Consider Making Adrienne Battle Permanent Director Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Thursday, March 12 at 11:19 a.m.
The Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education has canceled its interview with interim superintendent Adrienne Battle this evening.
School officials say they want her undivided attention on coronavirus concerns.
On Wednesday, the district canceled classes ahead of spring break.
“We need to remove distractions from Dr. Battle’s plate so she can focus on the needs of our students and staff, and as a Board, we need to thoughtfully consider whether the director search process is appropriate or necessary at this time,” said school board chair Anna Shepherd.
The board is expected to hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss next steps. They’ve interviewed one of five candidates so far, and will consider suspending the search and appointing Battle permanently.
— Damon Mitchell
Gov. Bill Lee Declares State Of Emergency Related To COVID-19
Thursday, March 12 at 10:45 a.m.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has declared a state of emergency related the spread of the coronavirus. At a press conference Thursday morning, he said the move suspends some regulations which could be helpful in the response.
The declaration should help patients fill longer prescriptions, for instance 90 instead of 30 days, and reduce their need to be seen by a doctor. This could both protect them from being exposed to others and free up physicians to see more critical patients.
The flexibility is also meant to allow more services via telemedicine. And the state plans to use $10 million in emergency federal funding to reimburse hospitals for providing telemedicine services, which insurance plans sometimes don’t cover.
Of the nine people with confirmed cases in Tennessee, two have been hospitalized while most have had mild cases. The Department of Health is updating the count at 2 p.m. each day.
Health commissioner Lisa Piercey says the state has enough supplies to test 500 patients. Private labs have not told the state how much capacity they have, but they are now reporting confirmations.
— Blake Farmer and Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Metro Health Warns Against But Doesn’t Ban Large Gatherings
Thursday, March 12 at 9:45 a.m.
Nashville’s health department is warning against gatherings of more than 100 people in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its guidance in recent days. The Metro Public Health Department says it’s not requiring cancellations but does want the community to understand the risks, particularly to medically fragile people.
“MPHD is monitoring the situation carefully and this guidance may be updated at any time,” the agency said this morning in a statement.
Two coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Davidson County but many more are expected in the coming days.
Meetings tracked by the Convention and Visitors Corporation continue to be cancelled. But marquee events, like CMA Fest, are still scheduled to proceed.
— Blake Farmer
SEC Tournament To Go On Without Fans
Thursday, March 12 at 8:00 a.m.
The SEC Basketball Tournament will go on this week in Nashville, but fans are being left out amid coronavirus concerns.
The conference allowed ticket holders for the first two games Wednesday night but they won’t be welcomed in for the rest of the week.
“We’ll be playing in front of a lot of empty seats here in Nashville,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says. “That’s unfortunate but the realities around us dictate that’s the appropriate decision.”
Sankey says there will be some people allowed inside Bridgestone Arena, including media and family members.
The SEC’s move was part of a cascade of cancelations by sports leagues including the NBA temporarily suspending its season and the NCAA barring fans from tournament games.
“We had new information at the national level that guided our decision making, specifically the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel. I never thought I’d be uttering those words,” Sankey says.
The SEC is refunding tickets but that doesn’t include some purchased through secondary markets.
The conference basketball tournament brought more than 200,000 fans to Nashville in 2019 with a nearly $25 million economic impact.
— Jason Moon Wilkins
Metro Schools Cancel Classes Until Spring Break
Wednesday, March 11 at 10:00 p.m.
Metro Nashville Public Schools has decided to cancel classes on Thursday and Friday, in a late-night decision announced Wednesday. An email assured the public that no students or staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
The district’s spring break starts Monday.
“While there is no immediate threat to Metro Nashville Public Schools, I understand this is a quickly evolving situation, and closing for the rest of the week and through spring break will give us time to properly plan and evaluate what is in the best interest going forward,” said interim director of schools Dr. Adrienne Battle.
The district is also cancelling before- and after-care programs, and after-school activities including sports practices and most games.
— Emily Siner
Nashville State Community College Closes Campuses With Sick Student
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
A student at Nashville State “self-identified” as having a case of COVID-19. The community college is on spring break, so the student has not been on campus. But as a precaution, Nashville State is closing its Donelson and Antioch campuses for the rest of the week.
The sites will undergo a “hospital-grade deep cleaning,” according to a statement from the school. The main campus is unaffected. And students are expected back next week.
Cascade Of Colleges Move Online
The University of Tennessee is suspending in-person classes on all of its campuses starting March 23.
Interim president Randy Boyd says he doesn’t want to create “undue anxiety” but feels it’s prudent given the spread of coronavirus.
The announcement includes UT Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin and the Health Science Center in Memphis.
Classes will move online for at least a week on each campus.
Middle Tennessee State University says it’s extending spring break by one week to give professors time to prepare to deliver instruction online “until further notice.”
MTSU is also calling back all students studying abroad, offering assistance with travel arrangements.
“Students who opt to remain abroad will do so at their own risk and will be apart from our oversight,” president Sydney McPhee said in a statement.
And Vanderbilt went one step farther, deciding students would receive online instruction through the end of the semester. Students living on campus have been asked to move out by next week.
— Blake Farmer
Vanderbilt Healthcare Worker Latest COVID-19 Patient
Wednesday, March 11 at 5:25 p.m.
The latest coronavirus patient is a health care worker at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The hospital says the person is recovering at home and that a small number of additional employees are undergoing testing.
In a statement, spokesman John Howser says that with 30,000 employees, “it was inevitable” that someone would test positive.
It’s unclear if this Vanderbilt employee is one of the nine cases being tracked by state health officials.
— Blake Farmer
Tennessee’s First Case Of Coronavirus Linked To Boston Biotech Meeting
Wednesday, March 11 at 5:05 p.m.
Tennessee health officials gave more information about the state’s first case of coronavirus than any since. And they revealed the 44-year-old man from Williamson County had flown to Boston for meetings. It now appears it’s the same biotech meeting that has spawned a cluster of cases in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
The Associated Press reports 77 cases in Massachusetts are linked to the meeting of executives with Biogen Feb. 26-27. The Cambridge-based firm develops therapies for neurological diseases and brought in 175 people from around the country and Europe.
Nearly a dozen people who came from out-of-state have also tested positive for COVID-19. The Tennessee man had mild symptoms, according to public health officials. It’s unclear whether the four additional cases confirmed so far in Williamson County are connected to the first.
Williamson County Schools Cancel Through Spring Break
Wednesday, March 11 at 4:15 p.m.
Public schools in Williamson County will be out for the remainder of the week. The district made the announcement in the last few minutes on social media.
There’s no explanation about whether the coronavirus cases include any public school parents or students. But Williamson County has the highest number of patients in the state with five.
District superintendent Jason Golden has scheduled a Facebook Live session for noon Thursday to answer questions from families.
NCAA Decision May Impact This Weekend’s SEC Tournament In Nashville
The NCAA stunned March Madness fans this afternoon and announced games will be played to largely empty arenas in order to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But big-time college basketball gets underway tonight in Nashville with the SEC men’s tournament. The conference says today’s games will proceed as scheduled but cast doubt on the rest of the weekend.
“We are evaluating plans for the remainder of the tournament. More to come,” the tweet said.
Last year, the tournament attracted more than 200,000 fans to Nashville with a nearly $25 million economic impact.
— Blake Farmer
Five Total Cases In Williamson County, Private Labs Begin Testing
Wednesday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Another case has been confirmed in Williamson County, bringing the local total to 5 and statewide figure to 9.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s status page indicates the state lab has now conducted 68 tests. But it’s no longer the only entity testing for coronavirus in the state. Two of the newest cases were confirmed by private labs.
— Blake Farmer
Metro Nashville Confirms Second Case Of Coronavirus
Wednesday, March 11 at 1 p.m.
The Metro Public Health Department has disclosed another “presumptive case” of coronavirus in Davidson County. The agency describes the patient as an adult male with mild symptoms who remains isolated at home.
Metro Health now is working to find the source of his exposure and tracking down anyone who sustained close contract with the patient.
As of Tuesday night, the state lab had tested 57 patients. The case announced by city officials would bring the statewide total to eight, with two in Davidson County, four in Williamson County and one in both Shelby and Sullivan counties.
Four Cases Confirmed In Williamson County, Schools To Remain Closed
Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Health says it will resume identifying confirmed cases of coronavirus by county, reversing a stated policy to protect patient privacy. The three cases previously labeled as “Middle Tennessee” were all in Williamson County, where the first case was identified last Thursday.
“TDH will release counties of residence for all confirmed cases, but will not include further identifying factors like age or gender as we balance transparency with our obligation to lawfully protect patient privacy,“ Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said in a statement.
“While the department’s standard protocol for outbreaks is to announce information by region, we understand COVID-19 is an evolving situation presenting unique concerns for our communities.”
With the revelation, Williamson County Schools promptly announced on social media the district would remain closed on Wednesday after initially cancelling classes last Friday.
Davidson, Shelby and Sullivan counties each have one patient for a total of seven confirmed cases.
— Blake Farmer
Belmont Extending Spring Break, Moving To Online Courses
Tuesday, March 10 at 5 p.m.
Belmont University announced this afternoon it will extend spring break by a week out of fear of spreading the coronavirus. And when classes resume March 22, courses will move online through at least April 6.
Belmont’s decision follows dozens of universities, including Vanderbilt, which have moved to reduce contact on campus.
A statement from President Bob Fisher says a large number of faculty and students are currently traveling abroad for spring break. The social distancing is intended to reduce exposure upon everyone’s return.
University-sponsored travel — even domestically — has also been canceled, unless granted special permission.
— Blake Farmer
Dickson County Schools Closed As Family Isolated For Testing
Dickson County School System will close for the remainder of the week. A statement posted on Facebook by the district says a family member of some students is being tested for coronavirus.
The district plans a deep cleaning of the buildings while students are gone.
“Please be assured there is no cause for panic; however, we are taking these as precautionary steps,” the district says.
State education officials say they have not directed districts to close as a precaution but are instructing them to seek guidance from local health officials.
— Blake Farmer
Seventh Case Disclosed, But Limited Details Sparks Call For Greater Transparency
Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m.
Tennessee health officials tweeted confirmation of a seventh case of coronavirus this afternoon with no other details, initially.
They’re being criticized for sharing less information about confirmed cases of COVID-19. This week the Department of Health announced it will no longer identify the county of confirmed cases. The policy makes the state an outlier in the U.S. The Associated Press reviewed tracking websites for 30 states, and Tennessee is among only a handful who don’t disclose the county for each case.
“When a government agency is not providing all the facts, people begin wondering why that information is being withheld,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder tells WPLN News. “I just believe as an elected official, that needs to be called out.”
Molder says the state needs to release the locations so local officials “can prepare and respond accordingly.”
Other local officials are more understanding of the state’s new limits on information about each confirmed case.
“I think they’re really walking a tightrope,” says Rhea Little, mayor of Brentwood, where schools have been closed since the first case was announced in Williamson County. That was prior to the policy change to withhold the county of residence. “It’s one of those real tough calls.”
Gov. Bill Lee says the issue is about “patient privacy laws,” though other states including Georgia are disclosing cases by county.
Tennessee’s largest cities are also releasing county-level counts since they run their own health departments. The seventh case, announced Tuesday afternoon, was later identified as being from Sullivan County in Northeast Tennessee, which runs its own health department.
— Blake Farmer
Two More Cases In Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt Students Deal With Cancellation Fallout
Tuesday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m.
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two more cases of coronavirus in the state. They’re described as adult males in Middle Tennessee. It’s unclear which county, though a spokesperson with the Metro Department of Health confirms they’re not in Davidson, which is identifying its own cases.
The statewide total stands at six, with many more cases expected to emerge as testing becomes more widespread.
So far, the largest impact has been at Vanderbilt University. The school decided to cancel classes this week and move to online instruction, leaving students to wonder what the rest of their semester looks like. Senior Devin Barkey is studying engineering.
“It’s going to be hard to have those classes online, but we’ll see how they try to figure that out,” he says.
Barkey is looking for a way to get home to Boca Raton, Fla. The school says it will remain open for students who remain on campus, but services will be limited.
Non-athletic events and gatherings are also being called off for the rest of the semester, which runs until the end of April. That includes the Blair School of Music’s concert schedule, which occur almost nightly this time of year.
“We don’t know yet what’s going to happen with graduation ceremonies and stuff like that,” Barkey says. “Hoping to at least get a diploma at some point, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
— Blake Farmer
Williamson County Schools To Remain Closed After Reported Parent Visit
Tuesday, March 10 at 5:50 a.m.
Williamson County Schools abruptly called off school today after being closed since Friday for deep cleaning.
“This comes after a parent in the Brentwood area notified the district yesterday that they had tested positive for the Coronavirus and that they had visited a school prior to that diagnosis,” the district said on social media.
It’s unclear whether this is a second case of coronavirus for Williamson County. The first, announced last week, is a parent at Battle Ground Academy, a private school in Williamson County.
BGA also canceled classes for Tuesday because a 12th-grader is being tested for coronavirus. Though infection has not been confirmed, the BGA senior was not at school Monday after exhibiting symptoms Sunday night.
“As soon as we have more information, which may not be for another 24-48 hours, we will send an update,” the head of school told parents in an email.
Teachers plan to meet and work on plans to offer instruction online if the school doesn’t reopen Wednesday.
— Blake Farmer
Vanderbilt Cancels For Week; Will Go Online
Monday, March 9 at 7:45 p.m.
Vanderbilt University is canceling all classes for the week and shifting to online learning until at least the end of the month, after several students returned to campus after being exposed to COVID-19.
The school says it will remain open so students can remain on campus, but services will be limited or reduced. It says it could extend the suspension of classroom instruction through the remainder of the semester, if necessary.
“We take great pride in our residential living-learning model, which provides invaluable connections, camaraderie and support,” Interim Chancellor Susan R. Wente wrote in a message posted online. “Although this is one of Vanderbilt’s great strengths, we also recognize that these are extraordinary times that require exceptional measures to deal with a health risk that affects us all.”
The school is also suspending all non-athletic events and gatherings, including those run by student organizations for the rest of the semester, which ends April 30.
Faculty are being told to communicate with students by email or online. It says it’ll be up to instructors how to conduct classes.
The chancellor’s message does not name the student who was infected but says he has not been on campus since being infected with the coronavirus. The Vanderbilt Hustler reports that a junior on its staff tested positive for coronavirus after a Spring Break trip to Barcelona with a group of students. He’s being treated in New York.
— Chas Sisk
Health Officials Say State Has Increased Test Kits
Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said the state has doubled its capacity to test individuals for coronavirus from 85 test kits last week, to “at least” 165.
She provided the update to members of the state’s coronavirus task force, which met for the first time Monday afternoon.
“We are continuing to get supplies in, so we might actually have additional capacity,” Piercey said. She also mentioned that at least two of the biggest commercial laboratories now are able to perform tests.
Health officials also said the state has tested 49 people for coronavirus, but only four have tested positive.
The patients hail from Williamson, Davidson and Shelby Counties. But, the fourth patient was only identified as a Middle Tennessee woman.
Piercey said that when there’s an outbreak, the state only identifies patients by grand divisions. She said this is meant to protect the patient.
“While it might be easy to blend in in a very large community with several thousand people, when we have counties that are very small and rural, the risk of re-identification is very high in those counties,” Piercey said.
The commissioner made the distinction that the six metro areas are separate jurisdictions from the state health department, therefore they can identify patients and release their county of residence.
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Coronavirus Results In Conference Cancellations, Though Marquee Events Still On
Monday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Nashville’s convention industry is already seeing cancellations related to concerns about coronavirus, which began even before the area’s first confirmed case last week.
In all, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation says 61 meetings have cancelled, accounting for nearly 45,000 room nights in hotels.
The largest cancelled convention represents 2,800 people, and the total is roughly $22 million in lost direct spending.
But so far these have not included the marquee events. The Southeastern Conference will hold its basketball tournament this week, with some new precautions, and the NRA is still planning to hold its national conference in Nashville next month. Mayor John Cooper says for now, the CMA Fest will go on in June as planned.
“All across the country, people are pulling back their own company’s travels and their own conventions, to be sure,” Cooper said Sunday. “Obviously Nashville has some big events coming up. Right now, they’re still scheduled.”
— Blake Farmer
Fourth Coronavirus Case Identified In Tennessee
Monday, March 9 at 2 p.m.
A fourth coronavirus case has been identified in Tennessee, and with it, a new policy takes effect.
Public health officials are identifying the case as being a woman in Middle Tennessee. From now on, cases will only be identified by the region of the state, rather than the individual county. A Tennessee Department of Health spokesperson did not immediately explain the purpose.
The first case in the state was announced last Thursday — a man in Williamson County with a mild case who had isolated himself at home. The announcement led Battle Ground Academy, which a child of the man attends, to close for a deep cleaning. Willamson County Schools and the Franklin Special School District also closed for two days of deep cleaning, though there had been no indication the man has kids in public school.
Two more cases were announced Sunday in Shelby and Davidson counties. Neither person appears to have recent a travel history that would explain their infections, suggesting the virus is spreading within the community.
— Blake Farmer
Insurers Will Waive Patient Costs
The state’s largest commercial insurers, including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, have agreed to waive co-pays and deductibles related to testing for the coronavirus. Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Hodgen Mainda also asked in an official bulletin that the companies forgive what patients might owe related to a visit to their doctor, an urgent care center or an emergency room.
“We are committed to helping slow the spread and impact of this new coronavirus,” BCBST chief medical officer Andrea Willis said in a statement. “If a BlueCross member needs to get tested, we don’t want them to worry about the cost.”
The decision applies to patients with group and individual plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare Advantage. But large employers with self-funded plans will have to make their own decisions about coverage.
LabCorp and Quest could begin offering private testing as soon as today. Previously, only Tennessee’s state lab had the capacity to test for coronavirus.
— Blake Farmer
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