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Lee cites ‘legal challenges’ surrounding COVID-19 death info

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, right, answers questions concerning the state's response to the coronavirus Monday, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Lee has asked all schools in Tennessee to close by the end of the week due to coronavirus spreading across the state. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, right, answers questions concerning the state's response to the coronavirus Monday, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Lee has asked all schools in Tennessee to close by the end of the week due to coronavirus spreading across the state. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Lee says “legal challenges” are preventing Tennessee’s top health officials from releasing location information on where coronavirus deaths have occurred in the state.

The Republican is facing increased pressure to release the county information as Tennessee’s death toll from the virus climbed to 23 as of Tuesday – which includes a former college president who was serving as a pastor in Memphis.

Lee has stopped short of divulging specifics around those legal challenges, however, when pressed as to why his administration was refusing to release the information that is currently being distributed in many other states.

Instead, Lee said his office was studying the situation and hinted the position may change in the near future.