CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) -Law enforcement are trying to separate truth from rumors as both state and local officials enact “shelter” mandates.
On Monday, Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order urging Tennesseans to remain at home and called for the closing of all non-essential businesses.
Shortly thereafter, Mayor Joe Pitts and Mayor Jim Durrett mandated local “Shelter in Place” requirements for Montgomery County.
All of this has left citizens and businesses wondering what exactly their requirements, and restrictions, might be.
Mayor Pitts and Mayor Durrett explained what businesses would be essential and non-essential in Montgomery County. They also reiterated that groups of 10 or more would not be permitted to congregate.
READ MORE: “Clarksville-Montgomery County leaders explain ‘shelter in place'”
The governor tweeted a graphic explaining which businesses are considered ‘essential’ by the state standard:
TN's safer at home order is in full effect and extends through April 14. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we're minimizing non-essential activity to protect our neighbors and save lives.
Get more information on how this affects your business or service: https://t.co/9B0TEQCgw9. pic.twitter.com/BVLT0ANvbV
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) April 1, 2020
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) April 1, 2020
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Businesses who are not on the ‘essential business’ list will be asked to close their doors temporarily while the Shelter at Home order is in place. Failure to do so could result in fines, loss of a license, or in extreme cases arrest.
Citations may be issued to groups of 10 or more people found congregating as well. All events in the county have been asked to postpone or cancel for the safety of the community. The City Parks and Recreation has closed playgrounds at the city parks and postponed many activities.
On Monday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order banning travel to other states. The governor has been requiring all Kentuckians to remain at home whenever possible, to combat the spread of COVID-19.
I have issued an executive order banning travel to other states to help stop the spread of #COVID19. This became mandatory Monday. The safest place for you & others is home. See Kentucky's full list of actions here: https://t.co/us5AOZENG3 #TogetherKy #TeamKentucky #HealthyatHome https://t.co/6QA68Klram
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) April 1, 2020
However, this does not mean there will be border checks, or that law enforcement will be blocking travel. In the executive order it states, “Kentuckians can still go to Tennessee for work, to take care of a loved one or even buy groceries if it is closer, but the Governor asks that unnecessary travel to Tennessee end. He asked Kentuckians not to travel across the southern state-line to partake in activities that have been limited, or were limited earlier in Kentucky.”
Both Montgomery County Sheriffs Office and the Clarksville Police Department confirmed they have no plans to limit people from crossing state lines.
For information on official orders and current restrictions:
City of Clarksville
Montgomery County Government
State of Tennessee
State of Kentucky
