An editorial by Senator Mike Bell Never has recreation in the great outdoors been more inviting to the public than it is today. While many look for new activities where people are easily distanced, Tennesseans are flocking to the woods, waters, fields, and trails to take advantage of our vast outdoor resources. Some are discovering […]
On July 15, 2020, Superintendent Bob Thomas will share the district’s reopening plan with the Board of Education. The full plan is now available at www.knoxschools.org/connect, along with summary documents and Frequently Asked Questions organized by topic. Key features of the plan include the following: The first day of class for students will […]
First wave of funds available to assist with plans for safe reopening Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced $81 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) funding is available through grants for K-12 schools and higher education institutions to assist with plans for safe reopening. […]
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is giving more families an opportunity to apply for a program that’s already provided valuable financial assistance to thousands across the state who’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. TDHS has extended that deadline to apply for Emergency Cash Assistance until Saturday, August 29, 2020. This change […]
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 54 to grant county mayors in 89 counties the authority to issue local mask requirements in the event of a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. “While our densely populated urban areas continue to have the highest COVID-19 case rates, our local governments expressed a need for […]
Mayor Indya Kincannon signed an executive order yesterday mandating masks be worn inside all City-owned buildings. The order comes following a week of significant increases in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Knox County. “Wearing a mask is one thing we know will help mitigate the spread of this virus,” Kincannon said. […]
New executive orders extend key provisions from previous orders Tennessee Governor Bill Lee yesterday signed Executive Order No. 50 to extend the State of Emergency related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to August 29, 2020. The order allows the continued suspension of various laws and regulations and other measures in these orders to facilitate the […]
MEDIC Regional Blood Center has updated donor eligibility requirements per FDA approval. The FDA recently evaluated blood donor eligibility criteria and recommended a reduction in deferral time period for several areas. MEDIC Senior Management evaluated and adopted these recommendations. The following areas are now a 3-month deferral after the last date of exposure: Tattoo […]
The City of Knoxville’s new COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program will assist renters and homeowners struggling to pay for housing due to income lost because of the pandemic. The goal of the program is to help an estimated 570 renter households and 140 homeowner households make their current and overdue housing payments. “Many Knoxville […]
Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group continues to advance the state’s reopening plan, issuing updated guidelines today for close contact service businesses, exercise facilities and recreation activities under the Tennessee Pledge. In addition, the ERG added recommendations for large community events to the previously issued guidance for attractions and large venues. Events like fairs, festivals, expos and […]