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NASHVILLE, TN – Today, Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement on Governor Bill Lee’s announcement recommending school districts remain closed through April 24: “This is an unprecedented time for our country and state and we thank Governor Lee for his leadership in protecting the health and wellbeing of Tennessee's students and teachers. We know school closures represent a significant disruption for families and students and the recommendation to extend them has not been considered lightly.” “The Department of Education team will continue to work closely with our districts as they serve students and families during this time. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our district leaders as they make the necessary decisions to ensure students can continue to access critical meal and other services, as well as receive high-quality academic instruction while they are out of school.”

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is partnering with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to make $10 million in new assistance available to help licensed childcare agencies that were impacted by the recent COVID-19 emergency and the March 3 tornado disaster. Starting Tuesday, March 24, agencies will be able to apply for grant money to recoup some of their losses and expenses.

NASHVILLE--Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 7.45 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 3.45 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on March 23, 2020.

As Tennessee continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions is issuing this interim guidance to all non-depository financial institutions and individuals licensed or registered with the Compliance Division. In general, please be reminded that business continuity plans (BCPs) should address the threat of pandemic outbreak and the potential impact on the delivery of financial services. Unlike business continuity planning, pandemic planning is much more difficult to determine because of the anticipated difference in scale and duration. The most significant challenge from a severe pandemic event will likely be staffing shortages due to absenteeism. Additionally, open communication with third parties, especially critical service providers, is an important aspect of pandemic planning. Management should have action plans for triggering events, communicate to employees, mitigate risks, and ensure sufficient internal and external capacity is available where needed. Preparation is key in a pandemic event so the need for periodically updating and exercising your plan is crucial for success.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced that public postsecondary institutions across the state would be utilizing existing 3D printers to mitigate the potential risk of medical supply shortages for Tennesseans.

Eugene Neubert is today named Acting Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration (F&A).

Thank you for your interest in helping the State of Tennessee get much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you are a business that has PPE to donate, you can email COVID.PPEDonations@tn.gov

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee established the COVID-19 Unified Command, a joint effort to be led by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is taking immediate steps to ensure access to critical services and benefits for customers while protecting the health of employees and the public in response to COVID-19. After a careful analysis of foot traffic and the health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Tennessee Department of Health, the TDHS has decided to move to appointment only for in person services beginning Monday, March 23, 2020.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 17 calling for businesses across the state to utilize alternative business models beginning at midnight CDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until midnight CDT April 6, 2020. The order also outlines ways businesses and citizens should work to protect vulnerable populations.

While the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, Tennessee’s farms remain an ideal source for fresh and local produce, dairy products, and meats. Many farms that sell directly to the public are working to keep the food supply chain strong and taking additional precautions to protect the health of their customers.

NASHVILLE, TN— Today, Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement regarding the meal distribution situation in Shelby County: “The Department was recently notified of the meal distribution situation in Shelby County. Department nutrition officials have already been in contact with Shelby County and we are committed to working closely with the district to identify immediate solutions. The priority for all Tennessee public schools and districts is to ensure our children are fed - we will come together as a state to support one of our own and the children counting on us.”

As Tennessee responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers markets are doing their part to supply customers with fresh, local foods. Markets across the state are working to relieve pressure on food distribution channels, while taking safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

NASHVILLE – Recent events in our state have impacted the employment of many Tennesseans. Because of this, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has seen a large increase in the number of unemployment claims. This increase, along with public health concerns, has prompted a change in strategy for the agency.

NASHVILLE – Recent events in our state have impacted the employment of many Tennesseans. Because of this, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has seen a large increase in the number of unemployment claims. This increase, along with public health concerns, has prompted a change in strategy for the agency.