As the stay at home measures continue in Rutherford County and throughout the state, grocery and hardware stores remain open as they are considered essential to our day to day lives. They provide not only food, but the tools and equipment to keep our homes and cars in working order.

Some of the changes that have been seen in recent days - not weeks:

Lowe's and Walmart lined their entrances with tape and shopping carts while employees now stand outside to make sure customers don't enter in crowds.

Cracker Barrel is one of many restaurants open for to-go orders and placed their credit card machine on a podium 6 feet from the check-out clerk.

Gas stations are also an essential business. Most of the small markets that offer fuel now have sheets of plexiglass firmly placed along the counter or hanging from the ceiling in front of the clerk to ensure no one can be coughed or sneezed on.

What defines an essential business in Tennessee?

Orders from the Governor stated, "Businesses or organizations that do not perform Essential Services shall not be open for access or use by the public or its members. Such businesses or organizations are strongly encouraged to provide delivery, including delivery curbside outside of the business or organization, of online or telephone orders, to the greatest extent practicable, and persons are encouraged to use any such options to support such businesses during this emergency."

To get an idea of what is essential, you must read orders documented by Governor Bill Lee.

Examples of stores that are considered essential are retailers that offer:

Food (includes restaurants for delivery/ takeout)
Medicine
Fuel for vehicles
Hardware supplies
Cleaning supplies
Automotive supplies and/or parts
Farm equipment
Agriculture supplies
Pawn or loan
Financial lending

Services that are considered essential:

Media outlets
Government services
Churches
Medical care
Medicine (prescription and non-prescription)
Vehicle repair
Agriculture services
Construction
Banking
Mail or delivery services
Educational
Laundry services
Transportation services
Home based care for adults, seniors, children, disabled
Shelters
Real estate services
Manufacturing
Lodging
Funeral services
Dental services

For a full list of essential service businesses, CLICK HERE.