DA, law enforcement officials set to enforce executive order from Gov.Lee

In an effort to protect the citizens of Tennessee from the current pandemic that is the COVID-19 Virus, Gov. Bill Lee issued Executive Order Number 22 on March 30, 2020.

The governor stated, “Businesses or organizations that do not perform Essential Services shall not be open for access or use by the public or its members. Such businesses or organizations are strongly encouraged to provide delivery, including delivery curbside or outside of the business or organization, of online or telephone orders, to the greatest extent practicable, and persons are encouraged to use any such options to support such businesses during this emergency. This Order shall be effective and enforceable at 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time, on March 31, 2020, and shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time, on April 14, 2020, at which time the suspension of any state laws and rules and the other provisions of this Order shall cease and be of no further force or effect.”

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 58-2-120 any person who refuses to comply with the Executive Order commits a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a sentence up to 11 months and 29 days and a maximum fine of $2,500.

A notice of Gov. Lee’s Executive Order was signed by District Attorney Danny Goodman, Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box, Dyersburg Police Chief Steve Isbell, and Newbern Police Chief Richard ‘Red’ Barnes. The signed order can be viewed above.

The State Gazette also contacted the local law enforcement leaders to provide further comment on Executive Order 22.

Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated, “We’re asking all businesses to cooperate with us. So far, we have had that. A majority of businesses want to do what’s right and limit customer interaction. If we have an issue with any business that is in violation with the Governor’s Executive Order, we will serve them with the order and allow them to make the necessary correction. If they do not comply, we will take further action as mentioned in the order.”

“We are encouraging our community to follow the Governor’s Executive Orders, along with the recommendations of the CDC,” said Steve Isbell, Dyersburg Police Chief. “Criminalizing business owners, and members of our community is the last thing any of us want to do. Please do not be reckless, and jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of others. When this crisis ends - and it will end - we will look back proudly at how this community came together, and took responsible actions to prevent the further spread of this virus.”

Newbern Police Chief Richard ‘Red’ Barnes and Newbern Captain Greg Barr issued the following joint statement on behalf of the Newbern Police Department: “We stand united with our support for all of Dyer County Law Enforcement in the efforts to keep all citizens safe during these uncertain times. We all support the governor’s efforts and directives regarding social distancing, safer at home and non-essential interaction. We trust all citizens will stand united in these efforts to bring this pandemic to an end. It is our hope that enforcement measures would be a last resort to ensure public safety. We want to thank our citizens for their efforts, support, patience and understanding. We will all get through this together by working together.”

Trimble Police Chief Patrick Clayton added, “So far, everyone is cooperating. We have several businesses here in Trimble, and they are doing everything we’re asking them to do. I, personally, went to all the businesses to explain the Order, and I told them we will be cooperating 100 percent with the Governor’s Order and will issue fines, if need be. But so far, everyone is cooperating.”