NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee says he has signed an executive order requiring all Tennesseans stay home unless carrying out essential activities.



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“Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home,” said Gov. Lee. “However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down. I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless they are carrying out essential activities.”

According to a press release, Lee signed Executive Order 23. It goes beyond "recommending" residents stay home and mandates they stay home.

Data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation analyzed traffic patterns for March 2020. While safer at home measures and further restrictions on businesses showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement from March 13-29, data beginning on March 30 indicates travel is trending upwards, again.

The Administration also analyzed data from Unacast to understand and determine movement trends among people. Unacast indicates the movement of Tennesseans is trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels.

“The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee. “Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.”



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The executive order remains in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Lee sent a letter to law enforcement authorizing them to enforce the order, saying "interpret this letter as authority to take reasonable steps to implement the provisions of Exec. Order Nos. 17 and 21 in your jurisdiction."