March 5, 2020
The first case of COVID-19 in the State of Tennessee was announced.
March 11, 2020
World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.
March 12, 2020
Knox County Health Department announced the first COVID-19 case in the county. Person was exposed to the virus overseas and was an isolated case.
March 12, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 14 declaring a state of emergency and waived certain laws to facilitate the response to COVID-19. This order was repealed and superseded by Executive Order No. 15 (March 19, 2020).
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 14 [PDF]
March 13, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency.
President Donald Trump's Proclamation
March 16, 2020
Knox County Health Department announced the first COVID-19 case in the county from community transmission.
March 19, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 15 which repealed and superseded Executive Order No. 14.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 15 [PDF]
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1 BY MAYOR KINCANNON |
March 20, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order Friday, March 20, 2020 to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues amid growing concerns over COVID-19. The order will allow restaurants and bars to offer delivery and take-out service. Mayor Kincannon said, “Many people in our community will be returning from spring break trips to areas with community spread of COVID-19. I feel it is my responsibility to take all the preventative measures possible to reduce the health impacts in the City of Knoxville.”
• View Press Release
• View Emergency Executive Order 1 [PDF] - Signed on March 20, 2020
• Orden Ejecutiva de Emergencia 1 [PDF]
|
March 20, 2020
Knox County Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan issued a Health Directive of closing bars and limiting capacity at restaurants.
Dr. Martha Buchanan Health Directive [PDF]
March 20, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 16 ensuring government continues to function openly and transparently during the COVID-19 emergency while taking appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of citizens and government officials.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 16 [PDF]
March 20, 2020
First COVID-19 related death in State of Tennessee reported by Metro Public Health Department in Davidson County.
March 22, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 17 requiring Tennesseeans to not
participate in social gatherings of ten or more people; to not eat or drink onsite at
restaurants, bars or other similar food or drink establishments; to not visit gyms or
fitness/exercise centers or similar facilities.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 17 [PDF]
March 23, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 18 requiring dental service providers, hospitals, surgical outpatient facilities, etc. to only perform emergency procedures - no
elective or non-emergency procedures.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 18 [PDF]
March 23, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 2 which extended the State of Emergency by
7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 2 [PDF]
March 24, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 19 which amended Executive Order No. 15 by suspending provisions of certain statues and rules and taking other necessary measures in order to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 19 [PDF]
March 26, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 20 which amended Executive Order No. 15 by suspending provisions of certain statues and rules and taking other necessary measures in order to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 20 [PDF]
March 30, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 3 which extended the State of Emergency by
7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 3 [PDF]
March 30, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 22 (Safer At Home Order) requiring Tennesseeans to
stay home unless engaging in essential activities to limit their exposure to and spread of
COVID-10. Order No. 23 (April 2, 2020) changed the wording from persons in Tennessee are urged
to stay at home to persons in Tennessee are required to stay at home.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 22 [PDF]
March 30, 2020
Knox County Health Department announced the first death in the county from COVID-19.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 4 BY MAYOR KINCANNON |
March 31, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued a Safer at Home Order (Executive Order No. 4) that went into
effect Wednesday, April 1, 2020. This order directly echoed the Safer At Home order issued by
the Knox County Health Department on March 23, 2020. The order gave City of Knoxville employees who have enforcement and regulatory authority, the ability to take corrective action within Knoxville city limits against those violating Safer at Home orders. Subsequent orders were issued to extend this order - see order Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8.
• View Press Release
• Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 4 [PDF]
• Orden Ejecutiva de Emergencia 4 [PDF] |
April 2, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 23 which amended Order No. 22 by changing the wording from persons in Tennessee are urged to stay at home to persons in Tennessee are required to stay at home.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 23 [PDF]
April 3, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 24 which amended Order No. 15 by suspending provisions of certain statutes and rules and taking other necessary measures in order to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 24 [PDF]
April 6, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 5 which extended the State of Emergency by
7 days and the Safer At Home Order (Emergency Executive Order No. 4) by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 5 [PDF]
April 8, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 25 to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by limiting non-emergency healthcare procedures.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 25 [PDF]
April 9, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 26 to suspend provisions of certain statues and rules in order to facilitate remote notarization and witnessing of documents.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 26 [PDF]
April 13, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 6 which extended the State of Emergency by
7 days and the Safer At Home Order (Emergency Executive Order No. 4) by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 6 [PDF]
April 13, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 27 extending Social Distancing and Stay At Home provisions of Executive Order Nos.
17,
21,
22, and
23 until April 30, 2020 to preserve and increase the containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 27 [PDF]
April 17, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 28 which amended Executive Order Nos.
15,
24, and
26 by taking other necessary measures to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 28 [PDF]
April 20, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 7 which extended the State of Emergency by 7 days and the Safer At Home Order (Emergency Executive Order No. 4) by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 7 [PDF]
April 24, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 29 which amended Executive Order No. 17 to reopen dining in restaurants.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 29 [PDF]
April 27, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 8 which extended the State of Emergency Declaration and also adopted and incorporated the restrictions set forth in the Knox County Safer at Home order dated April 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 8 [PDF]
April 27, 2020
Knox County Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan reissued a Safer At Home Order which ends April 30, 2020. This order helps ensure the appropriate measures are in place to support a phased reopening in Knox County on May 1, 2020.
Knox County Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan's Knox County Safer At Home Order [PDF]
April 27, 2020
Knox County & City of Knoxville Community Strategy for Phased Reopening Plan is released.
View Press Release
COVID-19 Phased Reopening Plan [PDF]
April 28, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 30 which allowed Tennesseeans to return to work safely while encouraging continued adherence to health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 30 [PDF]
April 29, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 31 which reduced the spread of COVID-19 by limiting non-emergency dental procedures.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 31 [PDF]
May 1, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 9 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 9 [PDF]
May 1, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 32 which amended Executive Order No. 15 and took other necessary measures to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 32 [PDF]
May 5, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 33 which amended Executive Order No. 30 to allow reopening of close contact personal services pursuant to new safety guidelines.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 33 [PDF]
May 6, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 34 which extended Executive Order No. 16 until June 30, 2020 which allows safes, open, and transparent public meetings by electronic means to preserve and increase the containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 34 [PDF]
May 7, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 35 which amended Executive Order No. 30 to allow reopening of small group, non-contact entertainment and recreational venues pursuant to new safety guidelines.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 35 [PDF]
May 8, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 10 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 10 [PDF]
May 12, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 36 which suspended provisions of certain statutes and rules and taking other necessary measures in order to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 36 [PDF]
May 12, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 37 which extended the date of Executive Order No. 26 until June 30, 2020 temporarily permitting remote notarization and witnessing of documents to further contain COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 37 [PDF]
May 15, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 11 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 11 [PDF]
May 22, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 12 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 12 [PDF]
May 22, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 38 which expanded the number of Tennesseans who may return to work safely while urging continued adherence to health and social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 38 [PDF]
May 29, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 13 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 13 [PDF]
June 5, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 14 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 14 [PDF]
June 5, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 15 to designate David Brace, Deputy to the Mayor and Chief Operating Officer as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Knoxville in the absence of the Mayor for a certain period of time.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 15 [PDF]
June 12, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 16 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 16 [PDF]
June 12, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 49 which amended the requirements concerning long-term-care facility visitation and taking other necessary measures to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 49 [PDF]
KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ADOPTS GOV. LEE'S TENNESSEE PLEDGE |
June 17, 2020
On June 17, 2020, the Knox County Board of Health voted to adopt Governor Lee's Tennessee Pledge guidance effective July 1, 2020.
Governor Lee's Tennessee Pledge |
June 19, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 17 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 17 [PDF]
June 26, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 18 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 18 [PDF]
June 29, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 50 to facilitate and respond to continuing effects of COVID-19 by extending Order Nos. 36 & 38 (as amended by Executive Order No. 49).
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 50 [PDF]
June 29, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 51 to extend safe, open, and transparent public meetings by electronic means while determinations of how to return to safe, in-person meetings remain ongoing.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 51 [PDF]
June 29, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 52 to extend remote notarization and witnessing of documents to further contain COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 52 [PDF]
KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ISSUES ORDER REQUIRING FACE COVERINGS |
July 1, 2020
On July 1, the Knox County Board of Health voted to issue an order requiring community members to wear face coverings in most public, indoor spaces. The order is slated to go into effect July 3 and will be assessed at each Board of Health meeting moving forward. Children under 12 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are exempt. Places of worship, public schools as well as state and federal government facilities are excluded. The intent of the order is to increase face covering usage and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Knox County Board of Health Order [PDF] |
July 1, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 53 regarding limited liability protection for health care providers in response to COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 53 [PDF]
July 2, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 20 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 20 [PDF]
July 3, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 54 providing local governments with authority concerning face coverings for COVID-19.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 54 [PDF]
July 9, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 21 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 21 [PDF]
July 17, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 22 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 22 [PDF]
July 24, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 23 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 23 [PDF]
KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ISSUES SUPPRESSION IN BARS REGULATION |
July 29, 2020
On July 29, the Knox County Board of Health voted to issue a regulation titled the COVID-19 Suppression in Bars Regulation. The order is slated to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 3, 2020. It shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m. on August 20, 2020 and may be extended by the Board of Health if indicated by the current data.
Knox County Board of Health Order [PDF] |
July 31, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 24 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 24 [PDF]
July 31, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 55 to facilitate and respond to continuing efforts of COVID-19 by amending prior Executive Orders.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 55 [PDF]
August 14, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 25 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 26 [PDF]
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 30 [PDF]
August 17, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 58 to terminate Executive Order No. 53 upon limited liability legislation becoming law.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 58 [PDF]
August 21, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 27
which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 27 [PDF]
August 28, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 28 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 28 [PDF]
August 28, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 59 to facilitate and respond to continuing efforts of COVID-19 by amending prior Executive Orders.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 59 [PDF]
August 28, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 60 to extend remote meetings and implementing best practices across the state to promote transparent government while protecting the health and safety of citizens and government officials.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 60 [PDF]
August 28, 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 61 to extend remote notarization and witnessing of documents.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 61 [PDF]
September 4, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 29 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 29 [PDF]
September 11, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 30 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 30 [PDF]
September 18, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 31 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 31 [PDF]
September 25, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 32 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 32 [PDF]
September 29 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 63 to facilitate the continued response to COVID-19 and extend certain, targeted provisions.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 63 [PDF]
September 29 2020

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 64 to extend remote notarization and witnessing of documents.
Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 64 [PDF]
October 2, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 33 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 33 [PDF]
October 9, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 34 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 34 [PDF]
October 16, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 35 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 35 [PDF]
October 23, 2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued Emergency Executive Order No. 36 which extends the State of Emergency by 7 days.
Mayor Indya Kincannon's Emergency Executive Order No. 36 [PDF]
View all Executive Orders of Governor Bill Lee