Gov. Lee signs executive orders to lift nursing home restrictions, extend limited state of emergency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Friday, February 26, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement to accompany his signing of Executive Orders 77, 78 and 79.

“Our state’s COVID-19 numbers continue to improve thanks to efficient vaccine distribution and efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said Gov. Lee. “I have authorized continuation of a limited state of emergency through April 28th in order to keep critical healthcare deregulation in place and ensure continued federal funding compliance, and to lift state visitation restrictions on nursing home and long-term care facilities. To be very clear, my orders do not include any restriction on business. We will continue to focus on delivering vaccines to every corner of the state, ensuring kids get back in the classroom and building on our strong economic recovery.”

Executive Order 77 extends provisions originally from Executive Order 36, (medical), Executive Order 38 (sports and athletics for local education agencies, encouraging take-out and delivery orders from restaurants, local orders), and Executive Order 54 (allowing county mayors to issue mask mandate).

Gov. Lee also signed Executive Order Nos. 78 and 79, which extend through April 28th, provisions that allow for remote government meetings and shareholder meetings and permit remote notarization and witnessing of documents, all while implementing transparency safeguards.

All Executive Orders issued can be viewed in its entirety at https://sos.tn.gov/products/division-publications/executive-orders-governor-bill....