NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Updated executive order No. 77 was issued Friday afternoon by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. It gives continuing guidance to localities about mask mandates and lifts state visitation restrictions on nursing home and long-term care facilities.

Executive Order Nos. 78 and 79 were signed by Lee. They extend through April 28 and are provisions that allow for remote government meetings and shareholder meetings and permit remote notarization and witnessing of documents.  That is all the while implementing transparency safeguards.

“Our state’s COVID-19 numbers continue to improve thanks to efficient vaccine distribution and efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Lee said. “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,” the governor added.

“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,” said Lee.  Though the governor made it very clear his orders do not include any restrictions on business. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/26/2021-8PM)