NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 17 on Sunday, which, in part, required all restaurants to close dining rooms and use delivery instead. But it isn't limited to food; alcoholic beverages can also be delivered.
Many restaurants throughout the state had already made the move to "delivery only" operations. However, the governor issued an official order calling for Tennessee businesses to use alternative businesses models beginning March 23 until midnight April 6.
It lifted state restrictions on alcohol, allowing businesses throughout the state to sell alcohol by take-out or delivery, with the purchase of food, in closed containers to those 21 years old or older.
However, it's unclear if the order means a factory-sealed container or if a lid on a cup would qualify as "closed containers."
Nashville Mayor John Cooper made a similar move, when he allowed beer deliveries throughout the city, making several businesses and locals very happy.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
