MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — The city of Murfreesboro has declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus panedemic.
The order from Mayor Shane McFarland went into effect at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Among the measures, restaurants and bars are required to close dine-in service by 12 a.m March 23. They may remain open for pick-up, take-out, delivery, or drive-thru.
Gyms and fitness facilities must close by 12 a.m March 23
The Mayor advised that all businesses and residents should follow the CDC's reccomendations to limit contact with others. He also said everyone should not "panic-purchase" and should be considerate of those more vulnerable.
Rutherford currently has 5 of Tennessee's 374 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
"We need to be proactive to stop the spread and save lives, so I am taking strong action ahead of additional cases," McFarland said in a statement.
He added that some non-critical city services may be limited, but police, fire, water, utilities, waste, and emergency services will remain fully operational.
Murfreesboro City Schools had already been closed through April 3.
