Neighboring states have varying virus mandates

State and local government officials in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama have taken different approaches to mitigating the coronavirus pandemic over the last few months. Their efforts include safety measures such as Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s safer-at-home order and Hamilton County’s mask mandate. Here’s a compilation of orders for the three states.

TENNESSEE

› Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group released guidelines for restaurants and retail at the end of May to allow most counties to increase capacity to 50% as long as they maintain social distancing protocols. Live music is permissible with specific precautions.

› The Healthcare Facilities Board unanimously approved rules from the Department of Health that require nursing homes to test all residents and staff after the month of June. It also requires that all staff members be tested at least once every seven days.

› Lee signed an executive order on May 22 that increased the number of people who can participate in social and recreational activities from 10 to 50.

› Lee signed an executive order on July 3 granting mayors in 89 counties in the state of Tennessee the authority to issue local face mask requirements. Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger issued a countywide mandate on July 6, requiring masks or facial coverings be worn over the mouth and nose “at all times when indoors in all public and private buildings and when outdoors” through Sept. 8.

› While law enforcement officials said they won’t enforce mask mandate violations, the city of Chattanooga has dedicated two codes enforcement officers to make sure businesses within the city are following proper protocols and requiring customers to wear masks.

GEORGIA

› Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order on June 11 lifting statewide restrictions to include the reopening of bars, nightclubs and indoor movie theaters. Public gatherings of more than 50 people are still prohibited unless there is 6 feet of distance between individuals.

› Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed an executive order on July 8 mandating the use of face masks throughout the city. Kemp followed by issuing a new executive order on July 15, overriding the local governments in Georgia that have issued face mask mandates.

ALABAMA

› Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide mask mandate on July 15, requiring face masks in public places to try to slow the state’s surge of new coronavirus cases.

› Ivey’s Safer at Home order mandates that all businesses can operate under social distancing guidelines and retail stores can operate at 50% occupancy.

› Under Ivey’s Safer at Home order, schools can begin the process of reopening following sanitation and social distancing guidelines.