Tullahoma Mayor Issues State of Emergency, Curfew for Tullahoma Citizens.

In a live press conference today, March 23rd, Mayor Lane Curlee discussed a state of emergency declaration for the city of Tullahoma, as well as a curfew for Tullahoma citizens that are non-essential personnel.

Mayor Curlee states that “citizens of Tullahoma are strongly requested to shelter at home.” Beginning at 12:01 on March 23rd, a mandatory curfew will go into effect. The curfew will be effective between the hours of 9pm and 6am, “during which all persons in the city of Tullahoma shall remain home.”

The curfew will not apply to anyone performing emergency or first-responder services, essential government services, law enforcement, rescue services, safety services, health services, essential utility services, or military services. The curfew will also not apply to anyone traveling to and from lawful employment. “My number one priority as Mayor is the health, well-being, and safety of Tullahoma citizens.” Mayor Lane Curlee states.

It is also announced that Tullahoma citizens should not participate in any private or public meeting or gathering of more than ten people.

The Tullahoma Mayor also announced that all businesses not performing essential services must close their facilities to the public, effective at 6pm on Tuesday, March 24th, 2020.

Exemptions to these closures are as follows:

• Federal and State offices and services or private companies or individuals performing under a local government contract.
• Essential government services such as law enforcement, public transportation, and businesses that provide government programs and services
• Companies providing media, communication, and telecommunication services
• Grocery and beverage stores, farmer’s markets, food banks, caterers, convenience stores selling food
• Agriculture through manufacturing and processing and other businesses that directly support the food supply including but not limited to; farming, livestock, and food cultivation
• Health care: mental and behavioral health, non-medical research, laboratory services, and other businesses that directly support the healthcare industry, but not limited to: health information technology, staffing and supplies
• Sanitation and waste removal
• Energy, water, and sewage business services
• Pharmacies, medical supply and other businesses that directly support the medical supply pipeline
• Vehicle fuel and support stations, vehicle sales, leasing and renting
• Banks, savings and loans and insurance companies
• Real property marketing, leasing, and insurance sales services
• Legal and judicial services
• Laundromats, laundry and cleaning services
• Home and business structure equipment and repair, hardware building supply, and appliance sale and repairs.
• Warehousing and storage facilities
• Construction, architectural, engineering, and surveying services
• Partial transportation and delivery services
• Veterinary and pet supply businesses and services
• Home and businesses cleaning and maintenance services
• Educational institutions:but only as needed, facilitate online or distance learning
• Landscaping and nurseries
• Production and sale of household consumer goods such as cleaning and personal care products.
• Essential building maintenance and security.
• Individuals whose job function requires them to be at their work location such as human resources
• Daycare and childcare businesses shall remain open and should prioritize parents of children working for an essential infrastructure.
• Non-profit entities providing support in response to the COVID-19 outbreak

The proclamation will be enforced and in effect at 12:01 on Monday, March 23rd, 2020 until 12:01 on April 6th, 2020. Mayor Curlee stated that it is subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation.

Director of Schools Scott Hargrove also spoke at the meeting stating that schools are tentatively set to return April 1st, but is subject to change of course due to the current outbreak. Should schools extend the break, learning bundles will be sent out to students by April 10th. Teachers and administration will be in contact with students and parents regarding school closings and learning bundles. Coffee County News will report more on this as the situation evolves.

The full proclamation can be read at Tullahomatn.gov.

Coffee County News will remain vigilant in reporting accurate and timely facts and statistics concerning the coronavirus outbreak, cases in Tennessee, any changes to businesses hours or closings, and information regarding our school systems during this time. The public health and safety of Coffee County is important, and we will keep our county updated and connected as information becomes available.