MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee’s handling of Tennessee’s coronavirus outbreak is getting national attention – but probably not in the way he wants. At least two national news networks touched on Tennessee’s COVID-19 response after White House advisor Dr. Deborah Birx visited the state Monday.
Tennessee is one of numerous states in the Red Zone for escalating cases. And Birx recommended that the governor order a shutdown of bars and limit seating in restaurants to slow the spread. But Lee rejected both requests.
In addition, Lee is all for fully reopening public schools on time next month. But he has done very little to help schools keep COVID-19 off their campuses. As The Daily Memphian pointed out Tuesday, the state’s recommendations for schools reopening rely heavily on the ability to quickly isolate children and teachers who test positive for the virus. But it does not include regular testing of students or teachers.
Shelby County School leaders are ignoring the governor and planning virtual learning to start the school year. And it’s a wise decision given the rising cases.
Lee has competent people advising him about the health aspects of the pandemic. But the governor’s leadership on COVID-19 has been lacking from the start. Everyone would rather have kids in school. But we also want them and teachers to be safe. At the moment, we cannot have both. So local decisions are our best decisions. And that’s my point of view.
