x
Breaking News
More () »

Gov. Lee establishes COVID-19 Unified Command to better coordinate Tennessee's response to coronavirus

The team will work together to best address health, economic and supply issues.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee established the COVID-19 Unified Command to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenges every aspect of traditional government response in a crisis,” said Gov. Lee. “I have appointed the Unified Command to effectively change the way we attack COVID-19 in Tennessee as we work to simultaneously address health, economic and supply crises.”

Commissioner Stuart McWhorter currently heads the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration and will leave this post to head the COVID-19 Unified Command. McWhorter appointed retired Brig. Gen. Scott Brower to serve as chief of staff for the operation. 

RELATED: Over 1.5 billion globally asked to stay home to escape coronavirus

RELATED: "Safer at Home" order issued by Knox County Health Department

“Gen. Brower’s special forces background and previous service as the Acting Senior Commander for the 101st Airborne Division has enabled him to pull leaders together and troubleshoot quickly in a crisis,” said McWhorter. “Gov. Lee has urged our team to challenge every barrier and assembling this team is the first step.”

Other members of the COVID-19 Unified Command are Patrick Sheehan, TEMA Director; Dr. Lisa Piercey, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health; and Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Adjutant General, Tennessee Department of Military. 

RELATED: How to file for unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic

RELATED: Zoo Knoxville is "Bringing the Zoo to YOU!" during coronavirus closure

RELATED: List of cancellations, closings in Knoxville, East Tennessee due to coronavirus concerns

RELATED: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signs Executive Order 17: suspends in-person dining, closes gyms, takes other measures to slow coronavirus spread

RELATED: 10Listens: How do Tennessee and Kentucky compare in their response to COVID-19?

RELATED: Looking for a job? These businesses in East Tennessee are hiring

Before You Leave, Check This Out