Category: News

Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group released guidance for close contact services Thursday (April 30), enabling over 38,000 workers to resume business in 89 of the state’s 95 counties on May 6. Six counties – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – will create individual plans in consultation with their locally-run health departments.

“As we continue a measured reopening of the economy, it’s critical we provide evidence-based guidance to businesses so they can keep their employees and customers safe,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “The very nature of close contact businesses calls for strong solutions and we’re inspired by the willingness of these small business owners to take the Tennessee Pledge. These guidelines will allow thousands of businesses to reopen, put their employees back to work, and serve customers in a thoughtful and safe manner.”

In addition to the recommendations included within the Tennessee Pledge, the State recommends strict adherence to CDC guidelines. The State’s guidance applies to personal services including barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail spas, massage therapy services and substantially similar businesses that require prolonged close contact with customers.

The full guidelines are posted online at TNPledge.com and include:
Business Process Adaptations
• Limit the number of customers to 50% of fire code capacity, and practice strict social distancing between customers
• Services will be offered by appointment only; no walk-ins
• Make appropriate physical modifications to accommodate social distancing. Workstations should be at least 6 feet apart, with additional measures taken as necessary to ensure that all people stay 6 feet apart at all times except for the staff providing a service to their client; physical barriers to be used where necessary
• Prohibit use of waiting areas (e.g., could adopt such practices as notifying customers by call or text message) or serenity lounges; limit use of other common areas by multiple people at one time (e.g., elevators, breakrooms, etc.)
• Ensure thorough workstation and equipment disinfection after each customer (i.e. sanitize all equipment, instruments, capes, smocks, linens, chairs and work area); alternatively, utilize single-use or disposable items
• Implement enhanced sanitization of commonly touched surfaces and equipment (i.e., at least every two hours and when visibly soiled), using CDC recommended sanitizers and disinfecting protocols
• Discard any single-use tools (e.g., files, buffers, neck strips) immediately after use
• Daily deep cleaning and sanitization to be completed for high-touch areas (tanning beds, massage tables, salon chairs, etc.
• Use appropriate temperatures for washers and dryers to ensure thorough sanitization of towels, linens, etc
• Do not allow non-customer companions to accompany customer during a service
• Do not allow group or communal settings for close contact personal services (e.g., couples’ massages, salt rooms, saunas, pools)
Consumer Protection
• Services that require removing face coverings (e.g., beard shaving/trimming, facials, etc.) are not permitted in Phase 1
• Do not offer any self-serve food or beverages. Temporarily close water fountains. Encourage users to provide their own water
• Prohibit congregating in break rooms, check-in counters
• Customers should wear a cloth face covering at all times while in the premises (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and as recommended by the CDC and executive order of the governor. Use other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC
• For massage, prone positions could be uncomfortable or dangerous for clients who are wearing face coverings. Accordingly, massage professionals may consider other appropriate precautions such as draping a client’s head and face cradle cover with a thin cotton pillowcase. Otherwise, a face covering should be worn during portions of treatment in which the client is not prone or facedown
• Screen customers for illness upon their entry into the premises
Employee Protection
• Screen and temperature-check all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms
• Employees should increase hygiene practices—wash hands more frequently, avoid touching face, practice good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Change any protective garments on a regular basis and sanitize reusable garments such as aprons or smocks at least once per day
• Employees should wear a cloth face covering (not N-95 or medical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers) and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC; if masks become wet or visibly dirty, the mask should be replaced
• All employees should wash hands between serving each customer, and more frequently as necessary. If appropriate for the service provided, gloves are recommended and should be discarded after each customer. The use of gloves should not be considered a replacement for frequent handwashing
• Perform regular disinfection of high-touch surface areas (e.g., door handles, counter space, light switches, tools and instruments) at least every two hours and when visibly dirty

As of April 30, there have now been 10,735 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee. There have been 5,338 people classified as recovered, leaving 5,397 active cases across the entire state. There have been 199 deaths and 1,045 hospitalizations. In total, 177,626 tests have been performed.

In Coffee County, there are now 36 confirmed cases and 16 people classified as recovered, leaving only 20 active cases. This active case number is down 1 from the previous day and is the second consecutive day with a decline in active cases in the county. There have been 1,030 negative tests performed in Coffee County.

An additional 43,792 Tennesseans filed new unemployment claims for the week ending April 25, bringing the total of new claims filed since the week ending March 21 to 437,261 in Tennessee alone.

Nationally, over 3.8 million Americans filed for jobless benefits last week. This brings the national total to over 30 million claims for unemployment insurance since mid march. This represents roughly 18.6 percent of the American workforce.

The school year may have ended early, but the H&R Block Student of the Week continues here at Thunder Radio.

Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin at the Manchester H&R Block as we say congratulations to this week’s student of the week – Ethan Sloan.

Ethan is a seventh grade student at Coffee County Middle School in Mrs. Powell’s homeroom. He is the son of Satrina Sloan and Brian Sloan. In his free time he enjoys playing soccer and other sports, as well as video games.

When he grows up, Ethan would like to be a NASA Engineer or a professional soccer player.

Rosalyn Partin, owner of the Manchester H&R Block, has been inspired to recognize great kids in our community all year long. H&R Block gives each Student of the Week a set of Nashville Predators hockey tickets, a commemorative plaque, as well as a special letter of recognition. Job well done, Ethan!

Pictured are, from left, CMS principal Kim Aaron, Ethan Sloan and Rosalyn Partin with Manchester H&R Block.

Coffee County District Attorney General Craig Northcott issued a public statement Wednesday, calling into question the constitutionality of Governor Bill Lee’s executive orders and adding that he will not be prosecuting persons “for simply engaging in legal activities such as operating their lawful business.”

Northcott did go on to say that he encourages citizens to follow reasonable health guidelines, and recommends that the most vulnerable stay isolated to the greatest extent possible.

“I sincerely believe that Governor Lee has made every decision based upon what he believes is best for the citizens that he serves,” Northcott said. “He has been required to make many very difficult decisions using incomplete, inaccurate and often contradictory information. I continue to pray for his wisdom in leading this wonderful state in this and all situations.”

Northcott also issued a caution to business owners who don’t follow the executive order.

“There may be other severe sanctions if the executive orders are not followed including the loss of a business license,” Northcott warned. “I am only speaking for the fact that there will be no criminal sanction in Coffee County for a violation of an executive order issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These other civil sanctions are outside my control.”

In his statement, Northcott went on to call Lee’s orders “increasingly vague and arbitrary,” – pointing out discrepancies in allowing certain businesses to open and others to remain shuttered.

“How does it make sense that a restaurant with a capacity of 400 can serve 200 people but a barber who rarely has more than five people in his shop at a time can’t ply his trade to support his family? How does it make sense that a tattoo artist in Knox County can operate legally but one in Coffee County can’t,” Northcott questioned. “How does it make sense that people can go to a gym to workout but a high school football team can’t workout together in its own facilities? How does it make sense that a group of people can gather together to eat at a restaurant but the same group can’t gather in a home or public park to do so? How does it make sense that urban areas where there is the biggest concentration of COVID-19 can have less restrictions that rural areas where there has been minimal impact?”

Northcott cited his oath to uphold the Constitution of Tennessee and the United States as reasoning for denying any enforcement locally.

“A criminal statute that is vague, arbitrary and isn’t uniformly applicable is unconstitutional. I believe that is the current status of the executive orders that, by statute, are enforceable by criminal sanctions. As part of checks and balances of our government, I have prosecutorial discretion to choose not to prosecute any crime and this discretion has been consistently upheld by many Tennessee and US Supreme Court decision including one as recently as two months ago.

“I believe that I cannot prosecute any person for simply engaging in legal activities such as operating their lawful business. I also believe that the citizens of Coffee County wouldn’t stand for such action on my part nor could I reasonably expect a jury to convict someone for that crime.

“Accordingly, I made it clear within law enforcement circles as the outset that I will not and have not taken action to prosecute anyone for the violation of executive order.”

Northcott also expressed concerns that there is a public safety threat from those who may act out of frustration brought on by financial or emotional pressures by these restrictions.

NORTHCOTT’S FULL STATEMENT IS BELOW:

Dear Friends and Fellow Citizens of Coffee County-

I am writing to inform you of my position on the criminal enforcement of Gov. Bill Lee’s Executive Orders relative to the closure of certain businesses and the restraint on individual freedoms. I have from the beginning held grave concerns about the constitutionality of the statutory construct under which Gov. Lee exercised this authority and, even assuming the statute is constitutional in general, the constitutionality of its specific use in this situation. To date, I have remained quiet publicly about these concerns out of respect for Gov. Lee and the office that he holds. However, I believe it is now important for me to be transparent on my stance given the most recent announcements and Executive Orders as well as the growing reaction to these restrictions in our community.

As Gov. Lee continues to modify these orders, they are becoming increasingly vague and arbitrary. How does it make sense that a restaurant with a capacity of 400 can serve 200 people but a barber who rarely has more than 5 people in his shop at a time can’t ply his trade to support his family? How does it make sense that a tattoo artist in Knox County can operate legally but one in Coffee County can’t? How does it make sense that people can go to a gym to workout but a high school football team can’t workout together in its own facilities? How does it make sense that a group of people can gather together to eat at a restaurant but the same group can’t gather in a home or public park to do so? How does it make sense that urban areas where there is the biggest concentration of COVID-19 can have less restrictions than rural areas where there has been minimal impact?

I swore an oath to uphold the Constitutions of Tennessee and the United States. A criminal statute that is vague, arbitrary and isn’t uniformly applicable is unconstitutional. I believe that is the current status of the Executive Orders that, by statute, are enforceable by criminal sanctions. As part of the checks and balances of our government, I have prosecutorial discretion to choose not to prosecute any crime and this discretion has been consistently upheld by many Tennessee and US Supreme Court decisions including one as recently as two (2) months ago. In order to fulfill that oath, I believe that I cannot prosecute any person for simply engaging in legal activities such as operating their lawful business. I also believe that the citizens of Coffee County wouldn’t stand for such action on my part nor could I reasonably expect a jury to convict someone for that crime. Accordingly, I made it clear within law enforcement circles at the outset that I will not and have not taken action to prosecute anyone for the violation of an Executive Order.

Equally concerning, I believe that there is a growing public safety threat from those who are acting or will act out of frustration brought on by the financial, emotional and other pressures caused by these restrictions. I feel compelled to make a public statement indicating that I won’t prosecute anyone for engaging in otherwise lawful activity simply because it violates Gov. Lee’s Executive Orders. I can’t allow the implicit threat of the use of the authority of my office to enforce what I believe to be unconstitutional actions.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I encourage you to follow all reasonable health guidelines. I strongly recommend that the most vulnerable stay isolated to the greatest extent possible. I sincerely believe that Gov. Lee has made every decision based upon what he believes is best for the citizens that he serves. He has been required to make many very difficult decisions using incomplete, inaccurate and often contradictory information. I continue to pray for his wisdom in leading this wonderful State in this and all situations.

 Also, there may be other severe sanctions if the Executive Orders are not followed including the loss of a business license. I am only speaking for the fact that there will be no criminal sanction in Coffee County, Tennessee for a violation of an Executive Order issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These other civil sanctions are outside of my control.

Thank you for allowing me to serve this community. As I have said often through this time: Trust the Lord. Use common sense. Treat others better than yourself. Live your life accordingly.

-Craig Northcott

State officials have announced that close contact businesses such as beauty salons and barbershops will be allowed to open as soon as next week – May 6.

Tennessee State Representative Johnny Garrett, who represents the 45th District, announced on Facebook Wednesday that he spoke with Governor Bill Lee, and added that beauty salons, barbershops and other close contact businesses will be opened up next week with guidance coming soon.

“Your engagement and messages made this possible,” Garrett posted. “Keep me informed of your issues so I can advocate on your behalf.”

This comes less than 24 hours after Lee issued Executive Order 30, calling for these types of close-contact business to remain closed in an executive order that doesn’t expire until May 29.

The Manchester Recreation Complex will open the exercise facilities under restrictions and guidelines provided by Tennessee Governor Lee’s “Tennessee Pledge” starting Monday, May 4, . It will be up to the public to abide by the guidelines and restrictions so that the facility can operate on a limited phase 1 basis.

Areas Open
Only the wellness room, gym ( for fitness classes and exercise equipment only), and indoor track are open. No pools, locker rooms, showers, youth wellness, casual care nursery, and racquetball courts will be open. The restricted use of the areas will only be available to those ages 13 and over.

Admission and Use According to Governor Lee’s Tennessee Pledge
• Everyone seeking admission must have his or her temperature taken before entry. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 will not come in to the facility. Staff will ask questions regarding possible exposure to Covid-19.
• All staff and patrons are recommended to use face coverings.
• All people seeking entry will be counted and if we reach maximum must wait until people leave to enter. Recreation Department Staff will count and keep track.
• Everyone entering will sanitize hands with hand sanitizer before working out.
• Exercise areas will be monitored by staff at all times.
• We will abide by Social Distancing and 6ft apart restrictions.
• No drinking fountains will be open. People must bring own bottles of water or purchase one.
• Both Staff and visitors must clean equipment after use. Staff will be wiping down all hard surfaces a minimum of every 2 hours.
• The Recreation Complex will not supply any mats or towels. Visitors wishing to use a mat must bring their own and leave the building with it.
• Everyone when checking in for count at the front desk must stand behind the Plexiglas shield.
• People age 65 and older and those at risk and vulnerable to COVID-19 are recommended to refrain from use of facility or take extra precautions during Phase 1 reopening.

Hours of Operation
• Monday- Friday
Open 5:00am-12pm (noon)
Closed 12pm (noon) until 1:00pm
Open 1:00pm-7:00pm
• Saturday
Open 7:30am until 12:00pm noon
Closed 12pm (noon) until 1:00pm
Open 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Sunday
Open 10:00am-5:00pm

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, there are now 10,366 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee, with 5,140 people considered recovered. This leaves approximately 5,226 active cases in the entire state of Tennessee. There have been 195 confirmed deaths and 1,013 hospitalizations.

Coffee County now has 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 14 people considered recovered. This leaves Coffee County with 21 active cases, down one from the prior day’s numbers. There have been 979 negative tests performed in Coffee County for the virus. These numbers provided by the Tennessee Department of Health.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday issued executive order 30, an order which calls for certain close-contact businesses to remain closed through May 29.

According to the order, which supersedes most of Lee’s previous orders, businesses that perform close-contact personal services are to remain closed for the time being. These businesses include barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons or spas, spas providing body treatments, tattoo facilities, tanning salons or massage-therapy establishments.

This order also calls for entertainment and recreational venues to remain closed – such as bars, night clubs, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, sporting event venues, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, racetracks, indoor children’s play areas, adult entertainment venues, amusement parks, senior centers or skating rinks.

This order also calls for social gatherings of 10 or more to remain prohibited – such as festivals, fairs, parades, youth sporting events and overnight summer youth camps.

The order does say that nothing mandates closure of a place of worship or prohibits weddings or funerals. But the order does strongly encourage people to utilize online services and to postpone these if possible.

You can click here to read the full order. 

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, there are now 10,052 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. There are 4,921 people considered recovered, leaving 5,081 active cases in Tennessee. That’s 117 fewer active cases across the state than the previous day.

There have been 894 hospitalizations and 188 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19.

In Coffee County, there are 33 confirmed cases of the virus as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, with 11 people classified as recovered. That leaves 22 active cases in Coffee County – one less than the prior day.