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Governor Lee, why won't you just listen to those pleading for help?

Local 24 Anchor Richard Ransom talks about Governor Bill Lee and his position on issuing a statewide mask mandate, spoiler: the governor doesn't want to.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In tonight’s Ransom Note: it’s time Governor. 

On Monday, Germantown’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen are expected to pass a resolution asking, with urgent, that Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issue a statewide mask mandate. 

Right now, Shelby is one of only two counties in West Tennessee with a mandate. And it’s working: Shelby County has the lowest positivity rate in our region. 

But because our surrounding counties don’t and COVID is spreading fast in those counties, Germantown Methodist Hospital is strained with patients from those counties. It’s even setting a new record this week for COVID admissions. 

So, the city would like a little help and a little leadership from the Governor. But his office told Local 24 News that he’ll take a pass. 

“The Governor’s position has not changed in that he believes that statewide, one-size-fits-all government mandates are not the best way to achieve sustainable compliance from individuals.” 

That’s a cop-out and he knows it. 

Our hospitals and local governments are pleading for help. 

It’s be nice if the Governor would only listen.

Join the conversation by email (rransom@localmemphis.com), Facebook, or Twitter.

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