COVID-19 Bulletin #5 - March 24, 2020 for Tennessee

Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts around COVID-19 relief. Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

National Guard Mobilization

Gov. Lee has mobilized the National Guard to assist with expanded testing efforts. 250 personnel, including 150 medical personnel, are preparing to assist 35 remote assessment facilities in rural areas.

State Employee Workforce

State employees who are currently working from home within the Alternative Workplace Solutions program (AWS) should remain working from home until April 24.

School Closures and Educational Resources

• Gov. Lee extended statewide school closure to April 24, 2020.
• The Department of Education has secured a partnership with PBS to offer instructional content on television while students are at home.

Administration Actions

Franchise & Excise Tax Deadline Extended

The filing deadline for franchise and excise taxes has been delayed until July 15, 2020. Taxpayers will have until July 15 to file returns and make any payments, including quarterly estimated payments, originally due in April. Additional information can be found here.

Real ID and Emissions Testing

• Drivers Services has suspended issuing REAL ID through May 18, 2020 as the federal government waived the deadline for REAL ID.
• Emissions testing requirements have also been waived through May 18, 2020.
• Additional information can be found in the governor’s executive order here.

Utilities

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Lee Administration, has filed an emergency petition asking the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to prohibit utilities from disconnecting service for non-payment during the state of emergency. More information can be found here.

Insurance Premiums

Gov. Lee has directed the Department of Commerce and Insurance to issue guidance to insurance providers requesting as much flexibility as possible for employers and individuals during this crisis. Additional information can be found here.

Current Department of Health Testing Results (as of 2 p.m. 3/24)

Testing Location	Total COVID-19 Tests Completed	Number Negative	Number Positive
TN State Public Health Laboratory	1031	955	76
All other commercial and private laboratories	10113	10477	591
Total positives in TN			667

 

For more information on COVID-19 in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.