As some entities begin to bring back COVID-19 mask mandates, and while the federal government is pushing a new version of the COVID-19 vaccine, Tennessee’s governor said there will be no further mandates in the Volunteer State.
“We learned in the last one the government does not need to tell people how to live their lives with regard to their personal health,” Gov. Bill Lee (R) said Wednesday. “Those are decisions they need to make, and that’s the way it will be going forward.”
According to the state’s timeline of COVID-19-related events, Lee gave the mayors of 89 counties the authority to issue COVID-19 mask requirements on July 3, 2020.
“While our densely populated urban areas continue to have the highest COVID-19 case rates, our local governments expressed a need for greater flexibility in addressing a rise in cases and that includes setting stronger expectations around masks,” he said at the time. “This targeted approach ensures we protect both lives and livelihoods and safely keep our economy open in Tennessee. We encourage every Tennessean across the state to use a face covering or mask, make sure to socially distance and wash hands frequently.”
Later that month, he extended that authority to local governments.
In April 2021, Lee reversed course, signing another executive order revoking the counties’ mandate authorities.
Still, mask mandates lingered, especially in schools.
In August, Lee signed another executive order allowing parents to opt out of mask mandates in schools on behalf of their children.
“No one cares more about the health and well-being of a child than a parent. I am signing an executive order today that allows parents to opt their children out of a school mask mandate if either a school board or health board enacts one over a district,” Lee said at that time. “Districts will make the decision they believe are best for their schools, but parents will have the ultimate decision-making for their individual child’s health and well-being. I will not be calling a special session at this time.”
Later in the year, he signed a bill into law banning mask mandates in schools altogether.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Gov. Bill Lee” by Gov. Bill Lee.
Anyone believe him after trying to inflict red flag laws on Tennessee??
Release the Covenant Shoooters manifesto and we’ll talk. Still waiting
Mr. Governor……..
Lee didn’t grow a spine…….never had one…..
Lock down Lee saying he isn’t going to be as big of a tyrant as last time. He should have been impeached instead of “serving” as governor in a 2nd term.
RINO talking, we’ll see.
He will cave again .
Good
David Blackwell – Lee is not coming to his senses. HIs lackies pounded into his thick, liberal skull that Tennesseans would not put up with his dictatorial emergency orders again. He could make us all criminals or just shut the heck up.
Gov Lee grew a spine, it’s about time.
Lock ’em down Lee coming to his senses?