NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- Gov. Bill Lee is preparing to issue his 41 Executive Order since the coronavirus outbreak began in the spring.
The new order will clear the way for high-contact sports to resume in secondary schools statewide, in spite of the coronavirus infection risk. The governor previewed his latest order during a Monday press conference.
Schools will be required to follow a set of guidelines negotiated between the governor’s pandemic task force and the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association.
During the press briefing, a reporter noted the trouble professional sports have had restarting their virus stalled seasons. He asked Gov. Lee what would be different about restarting high school competitions.
The governor insisted that fall sports, including high school football and soccer, could move forward safely if the guidelines are followed.
The new rules include frequent cleaning of all surfaces, no-contact practices, and temperature checks for athletes, staff and fans. There are also mask and social distance requirements for the team bench and stadium seating.
