Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has strengthened a stay-at-home order after initially resisting a statewide mandate, despite pleas from the medical community for stronger action to defeat the coronavirus outbreak.
The Republican governor said a recent uptick in “movement around the state” forced him to order individuals to avoid all non-essential travel until April 14.
The first-term governor had only “strongly urged” people to stay at home previously. Lee received thousands of pleas from doctors and other medical professionals that a stronger order would help curb the virus’ spread.
Meanwhile, the number of jobless Tennesseans continues to grow.
