Dear friends,

Protecting public health and revamping the economy are not mutually exclusive — in fact, they’re one and the same. Workers won’t work and customers won’t shop if they’re afraid of getting sick.
That’s why the City of Chattanooga is committed to doing everything we can to help all business owners and employees transition back to work in the safest way possible. The City has partnered with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and local industry representatives on a set of webinars that will walk through appropriate and realistic guidelines for getting open — and staying open — safely.

Over the last week, the City has hosted webinars about reopening various industry sectors such as restaurants, gyms, child care centers, retail, and barbershops. On Friday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m., we’ll host a special one for churches and houses of worship. You can register, find resources, or previous webinars at cha.city/covidreopen.

While we are happy to help support our local businesses during this time, it’s important to remember we are still very much in the middle of this pandemic. We cannot expect our economy to bounce back if residents are still concerned about their safety and well-being. More community testing and contact tracing is vital. In the coming weeks, several local organizations have stepped up to expand COVID-19 testing in our community:

• The Hamilton County Health Department conducts free drive-thru testing on weekday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at 7460 Bonnyshire Drive. No appointment is needed. Call (423) 209-8383 for more information.

• Clinica Medicos offers free COVID-19 testing seven days per week at their location. You will need an appointment, so please call (423) 760-4000 for more information and to schedule your test.

• Cempa Community Care, in partnership with Alleo Health System, and LifeSpring Pediatrics will offer free walk-up or drive-through testing at their mobile clinic. The clinic will be parked at the Bethlehem Center on Wednesday, May 13, the Avondale YFD Center on Wednesday, May 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m and New Hope Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 27 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call (423) 207-5831 or email info@cempa.org

Confirmed COVID-19 cases are rising and as businesses begin to reopen we expect to see an increase in numbers. While we were fortunate to enforce and implement social distancing practices early on, which we believe helped keep our confirmed cases low, you are still responsible for keeping you and your family safe.
Please remember:

• Stay home if you can, especially if you are in a high-risk category.
• Wear a mask if you must be in public.
• Maintain six feet of distance between you and other people.
• Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces regularly.
• Do not gather in large groups.

Thank you for all you do to keep our community safe.

Andy

Mayor Andy Berke

Tuesday, May 12, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s press briefings can be viewed live here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative action.

KEY UPDATES

Testing Update
The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) are working together to increase testing accessibility for intermediate care facilities and members of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program.
The first testing event will be held Friday, May 15 in Scott County, utilizing DIDD’s mobile clinic and nursing staff specializing in care of persons with disabilities. Based on this provider assistance, an estimated 12,500 tests will be conducted in the coming weeks to support Tennessee’s intellectual and developmental disability community.

Stimulus Financial Accountability Group
The Stimulus Financial Accountability Group held its second meeting on Tuesday, May 12. As the state reviews federally permitted uses for the first round of CARES Act funding, we expect additional guidance from Congress that includes the potential to reverse course and allow for the backfill of Tennessee’s lost revenue.

While prudently managing state finances, Gov. Lee and the Stimulus Financial Accountability Group are focused on getting money back into the hands of Tennessee business owners, strengthening public health response, providing support for the unemployed and those negatively impacted by this crisis.

Executive Order Nos. 36 and 37
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order Nos. 36 and 37, extending the state of emergency declaration from May 18, 2020 to June 30, 2020, in order to extend certain provisions facilitating the State’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Order No. 36 consolidates provisions from Executive Order Nos. 15, 19, 20, 24, 28, and 32 into one order, while extending and in some cases expanding those provisions, and Executive Order No. 37 extends Executive Order No. 26. The extensions will ensure continued:

• Broad access to telehealth services;
• Increased opportunities for people to easily join the healthcare workforce;
• Easier access to unemployment benefits;
• Supply chain and price gouging protections;
• Extended deadlines and suspended inspection requirements to avoid unnecessary person-to-person contact;
• Increased opportunities to work remotely where appropriate; and
• Ability to remotely notarize and witness legal documents through electronic means.

Provisions from prior Executive Orders that will not continue:
• Expanded scope of practice provisions for nurses and physician assistants. These provisions, which originally appeared in Executive Order Nos. 15 and 28, have served their purpose to flatten the curve in Tennessee. These provisions are not necessary to continue treating and containing COVID-19 at the current time; however, we will continue to monitor conditions to determine whether these provisions should be implemented again.
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy via telemedicine for workers’ compensation recipients are now reimbursable under federal guidelines, so the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation no longer needs an executive order to offer this benefit.

Amended provisions (in order of appearance)
• Health care licenses, certificates, and registrations are further extended until August 31, 2020. Increases the number of health care professionals and facilities that are eligible for an extension and increases the length of extensions until August 31, 2020.
• Health care license application fees are due June 30, 2020. Increases the number of initial applicants who are eligible for a fee suspension and delays the due date for application fees until June 30, 2020.
• Degree holders in science fields can work as laboratory personnel under supervision. Allows more qualified graduates to work in medical laboratories.
• Testing for COVID-19 can occur at more medical laboratory facilities. Allows for more widespread testing related to COVID-19.
• Extends price gouging protections through June 2, 2020. Current price gouging protections last through May 18, 2020. Executive Order 36 extends those protections for 15 days (the maximum allowed by law).
• Motor vehicle registration renewal deadlines are further extended until June 15, 2020. More people qualify for extensions.
• Inspections of light-duty motor vehicles are further suspended until June 15, 2020. More people qualify to renew their vehicle registration this year without an inspection.
• Driver licenses and photo ID renewal deadlines are further extended. CDL license types are extended until June 30, 2020; other types are extended until November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Commercial driver licenses with medical card renewals are further extended until June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Deadlines for new Tennessee residents to obtain a Tennessee driver license are further extended until June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Deadlines for payments to reinstate driver licenses are further extended. More people qualify for an extension.
• Enhanced handgun carry permits are further extended through November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Deadlines for persons with interlock ignition devices are further suspended. More people qualify for an extension.
• Time limits regarding civil asset forfeiture proceedings are further suspended through June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension.
• Professional educational and training deadlines administered by the Department of Commerce and Insurance may be extended. The Department now has the authority to extend testing deadlines for regulated professions.

Continuing provisions (in order of appearance)
• Activation of Tennessee Emergency Management Plan.
• Out-of-state health care providers may practice in Tennessee.
• Prescriptions available in 90-day supply.
• Increased availability of home health services.
• Notarization is not required for health care applications.
• Retired medical professionals can easily reenter the health care workforce.
• Continuing education requirements are suspended so health care professionals can keep working.
• Laboratory inspections are suspended to allow for immediate COVID-19 testing.
• Health care licensing inspections and investigations are suspended to increase resources available to fight COVID-19 and to protect public health.
• Inspections of pain management clinics are suspended.
• Inspections of health care facilities are suspended.
• Inspections of medical laboratories are suspended.
• Inspections of pharmaceutical facilities are suspended.
• Inspections of veterinary facilities are suspended.
• Live human patient examinations are suspended for dentistry applicants, and the Board of Dentistry may modify licensing procedures accordingly.
• Memoranda of Understanding with the Department of Health to obtain confidential personal health information are enforceable emergency orders.
• Nursing graduates may practice under supervision without examination.
• Expanding locations for autopsies.
• Pharmacists can process prescriptions remotely.
• Each pharmacist can supervise more pharmacy technicians.
• Medical laboratory directors can monitor facilities remotely.
• Pre-license, post-degree mental or behavioral health professionals can provide telehealth services under supervision.
• Medical laboratory personnel can work remotely.
• Increased number of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients.
• Regulations of emergency medical services are suspended to increase services.
• Temporary quarantine and isolation facilities may be constructed.
• Size and weight transportation restrictions suspended for emergency supplies.
• Transportation hours of service restrictions suspended for emergency supplies.
• Certain criteria for unemployment benefits are suspended to ensure such benefits are available to COVID 19-affected employees.
• Unemployment information from employers required more quickly to process benefits faster.
• Child care licensure and assessment requirements are suspended to facilitate continued operation of child care facilities.
• Examination cycle of financial institutions may be extended.
• Deadline for TNInvestco annual audited financial statement reports extended until July 31, 2020.
• Departments may extend deadlines to deposit state funds to protect state employees/customers.
• Marriage licenses are extended until June 30, 2020 to facilitate delayed marriage ceremonies.
• Application deadline for tax relief is extended through June 30, 2020.
• Deadline for ethics filings is extended until July 15, 2020.
• Deadlines for law enforcement training are extended.
• Deadline for paying professional privilege tax is extended through June 30, 2020.
• Free copies of business entity filings available for those using them to seek state or federal disaster relief.
• Board of Parole may modify procedures to protect public health.
• Suspends temporary application of safety valve provisions resulting from the temporary decrease in TDOC prisoners.
• Governor has discretion to utilize National Guard members in connection with TDOC operations if needed.
• Motor vehicle dealers can record liens with the Secretary of State.
• Administration of driving tests is suspended.
• Issuance of REAL-ID is suspended.
• Tennessee Corrections Institute transfer procedures are adjusted to respond to COVID-19.
• Tennessee Corrections Institute may flexibly respond to COVID-19 issues.
• Deadlines for building code and building plan inspections may be extended.
• Notarization requirements for bonds and certain legal documents are suspended.
• Deadline for firefighters to complete training may be extended.
• Deadline for law enforcement and firefighter physical examinations is extended until October 1, 2020.
• Deadline for peace officers to complete training may be suspended.
• Annual meeting of the Tennessee Judicial Conference is suspended.
• Time periods for completing securities registration requirements may be extended.
• Remote shareholder meetings permitted under certain conditions.
• Discretionary leave available for state employees affected by COVID-19.
• Inspections of mental health and substance abuse facilities and services are suspended.
• Telephone assessments for involuntary commitment cases are permitted.
• TennCare policies adjusted to prevent coverage disruptions.
• Limitations on emergency admissions to Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities facilities are suspended.
• Medication administration certificates may be extended for Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities personnel.
• Suspending requirements not feasible during COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service levels for persons supported by Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Health insurance carriers encouraged to take steps necessary to maximize access to COVID-19 treatment, screening, and testing.
• Telemedicine access is expanded.
• All licensed health care providers can practice telemedicine.
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation may conduct name-based background checks.
• Deadline to remove expunged records is suspended.

The full orders can be found here.

For more information on COVID-19 in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.

What: The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is encouraging residents who meet income and residency requirements to utilize the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program before it concludes on Thursday, June 18. Taxpayers are invited to drop off documents at one of four locations to be completed by volunteers and returned to them. The service, which was adjusted to limit face-to-face interaction, is one of many programs offered to underserved individuals in our area. Taxpayers must have an appointment, which may be scheduled by phone.

When: Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The program will conclude on Thursday, June 18.

Chattanooga Location 
Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
730 East M. L. King Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37402

(423) 805-2926

Where: South Pittsburg Location
Old National Guard Armory
107 E. 10^th Street
South Pittsburg, TN 37380

(423) 580-0042

Dunlap Location (English & Spanish Returns)
Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency

312 Resource Road

Dunlap, TN  37327 

(423) 949-2191

Spring City Location
Audrey Pack Memorial Library

169 W. Rhea Avenue

Spring City, TN 37381

(423) 365-9957

Why: The tax preparation cost and process can be a burden for many in the greater Chattanooga area. Through VITA, the Urban League and volunteers are able to assist qualified citizens and help them navigate the process at no charge. In 2019, Urban League completed over 15,000 VITA returns for individuals throughout the Chattanooga area. This saved taxpayers a collective amount of $5,176,965. For more information about the program and residency requirements, please visit http://ulchatt.net/VITA.

About Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
Since 1982, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga has been an affiliate of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest community-based organization movement devoted to empowering African-American and other underserved individuals to enter the economic and social mainstream.  In addition to its programmatic emphasis on education, economic empowerment, workforce development and inclusion by design, the Urban League operates the Entrepreneur Center, which is structured to align with the National Urban League’s entrepreneurship center model.  The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 15,000 people it touches each year.  For more information, visit www.ulchatt.net.

Nationwide — Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, two of the men involved in the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, have finally been arrested. Arbery was killed back in February in Glynn County, Georgia, by the men who pursued him because they thought he “looked suspicious.”

Arbery, a 25-year old African American who was a known jogger in the area, was reportedly jogging through the neighborhood when the men decided that they were going to make a citizen’s arrest because they suspected him to be a robber.

Gregory says that before the situation escalated that he asked Ahmaud to “stop” so that they could talk. But video shows that a lot more happened then just that. The video shows that Arbery was aggresively being pursued by the two men in their vehicle. One of the men had a shot gun, and as Arbery appeared to be defending himself, he was then shot at least twice.

It took more than two months for it to happen, but after the video was leaked and the case began receiving high profile attention from the like of Democratic Nominee Joe Biden, CNN reports that the two aggresors were finally taken into custody and booked into the Glynn County Jail.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said that it was outrageous that it took this long for the pair to be arrested.

“It’s a travesty of justice that they enjoyed their freedom for 74 days after taking the life of a young Black man who was simply jogging,” he told reporters.