The governor of Tennessee is encouraging local leaders to bet on human nature and prayer, rather than enforceable mandates, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
On a Wednesday morning conference call with scores of county and municipal mayors from across the state, Lee shot through a list of COVID-19 prevention, testing and treatment topics in less than half an hour, saying that more specific guidance will be shared with the localities later, and emphasizing the significant financial steps his administration is taking to cushion the economic impact of the outbreak.
In a recording of the call obtained by the Times Free Press, Lee is heard offering his approach to local leaders: mandates aren’t necessary, make recommendations and Tennesseans will obey.
“On closures, utilize [the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance, we’re not issuing orders, we’re issuing guidance and strong suggestions,” Lee says. “We don’t have to mandate people not do certain behavior because Tennesseans follow suggestions. They follow guidance. So when we do that we’re going to see that Tennesseans come together.”
At multiple points in the phone call, Lee presents the idea that citizens of Tennessee will practice responsible social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus which, as of Thursday, has infected at least 154 people across the state.