Jackson, Tenn.—Gov. Bill Lee has signed an executive order mandating business across the state utilize alternative business models beginning at midnight –Central Daylight Time – Monday, March 23, and ending at midnight, CDT, April 6.

Among other things, his order limits the operations of bars and restaurants. While dining in is prohibited, the restaurants may continue to use drive, throughs and offer delivery and carry-out

“Persons in the State of Tennessee shall not eat or drink onsite at restaurants, bars, or other similar food or drink establishments…” the order states.

“Restaurants, bars and similar food or drink establishments, including nightclubs, shall not be open to persons except to offer drive-through, pickup, carry out or delivery service….”

The order also outlines the way businesses and citizens should work to protect vulnerable populations

Lee’s order, which was signed today, prohibits social gatherings of 10 or more people
Gyms and fitness/exercise centers or “substantially similar facilities” are to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020.

Visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes, and long-term care or assisted-living facilities is now limited to visits involving essential care only.

Businesses are encouraged to enact policies that take extra steps to assist vulnerable populations by considering measures such as shopping hours exclusive from the general public.

What it doesn’t do—

The directive does not “mandate sheltering in place and does not prohibit persons from visiting places necessary to maintain health and economic well-being, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, among other places, so long as they observe the necessary precautions advised by the President and the CDC….”

Read the Executive Order here