As Tennesseans and human beings we should have every chance to keep our families and ourselves safe through the spread of the Coronavirus. So far Governor Lee has asked that the citizens of Tennessee practice social distancing, and not go out unless necessary. A lot of us are seeing people still gathering in groups larger than 10 when in fact the ONLY thing that's truly going to help is not gathering with folks except those within your own household. I go out for drives every few days and what I'm seeing is both frustrating and disheartening. I see people who seem to be totally unaware there is a crisis in the nation. One of my close friends who lives in town (Winchester) had a neighbor who on the evening of March 30 threw a party at their house. There were in very close contact.
I will give Governor Lee credit for being strong in terms of having non-essential businesses close but this needs to go further. Some adults are like children. You have to set boundaries and enforce them otherwise they are going to ignore you. Governor Lee's address on March 30 started with a very weak opening statement that essentially said I'd like you to follow the guidelines but I can't make you. This is a quote from 10 News in Knoxville: "This is not a mandated 'shelter in place' order, because it remains deeply important to me to protect personal liberties," Lee said at a Monday afternoon news briefing." I get it. Personal liberties are vital in America. However, so is our safety and our health. We have all of these essential workers out there putting their lives on the line, literally, and yet they have to contend with families coming into Walmart (yes, these men and women are indeed putting their lives on the line) to shop for electronics, toys, clothes, etc. NO! This shouldn't be happening! I went to Walmart (pickup of course) today (4/1/2020). The young man that brought my order out said he goes home after his shift and immediately gets in the shower. It was clear that he understands the gravity of what our nation is facing at this moment. How is it fair to people like him for us to not tell people to stay home except for absolute necessities!? One of my closest friends husband works in the local hospital. WHY should they have to worry about overburdening of our small hospital because our governor refuses to take the necessary actions to help prevent that? Another of my closest friends (who is pregnant) husband is an EMT. Every day he faces the possibility of contracting this virus and taking it home. Why is Governor Lee refusing to make mandates? Please Mr. Lee, we are pleading with you to protect these people who continue to have to work so the rest of the state has necessities. I would add to that, the people who continue to go on as if nothing is wrong will make it much more difficult for those who are doing what is asked if they or someone they care for gets sick.
Now is not the time to worry about people getting upset because they think you are stripping them of their personal liberties. Think of it this way, if you are dead, your personal liberties are moot. We can reclaim our personal liberties when this passes.
Governor Lee, we are asking you to put your foot down and mandate a Stay at Home order for the residents of Tennessee. Allowing people to go get groceries (1 family member only), or other life/health sustaining necessities, provide assistance to those who are not able to do for themselves, and go to their jobs as necessary.