(La Vergne, Tenn.) Mayor Jason Cole is issuing a "Safer at Home" initiative for La Vergne in conjunction with Governor Bill Lee's "Safer at Home" order announced on March 30. As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, Mayor Cole is asking all citizens to stay at home and limit travel to only essential trips and for all non-essential business to close their doors.

As of April 2, 86 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Rutherford County by the Tennessee Health Department and there has been one (1) death. A breakdown of reported cases by city has not been released.

"We need to be proactive and get ahead of the spread of this virus," says Mayor Jason Cole. "Our top priority is protecting our citizens, employees and first responders. We are considering everything and anything that may be necessary to do that."

The "Safer at Home" initiative strongly encourages citizens to stay at their place of residence except when it is absolutely necessary. The initiative does not mandate sheltering in place. Those whose residences are unsafe or become unsafe, such as domestic violence victims, are urged to leave their home and stay at a safe alternate location. Mayor Cole is also urging everyone to follow and comply with CDC guidelines and directives pertaining to the virus and continue to follow social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread.

Executive Order No. 22 added businesses such as barbershops, salons, night clubs, entertainment venues, and indoor play areas were added to the list of nonessential businesses. A full list of non-essential businesses can be found here. (https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/pub/execorders/exec-orders-lee22.pdf)

Most recently the virus has forced staff to suspend City Court through the month of April as well as cancel its popular Easter Egg Hunt. City building lobbies have been closed indefinitely, all city parks have been closed, and the La Vergne Public Library is closed until further notice. For more information on how the virus is affecting the City of La Vergne visit LaVergneTN.gov.

Remember to also follow recommended practices by the CDC, including washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds, cover your cough and sneeze, avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, practice social distancing, clean and disinfect objects with high touch surfaces and stay home if you come in contact with someone who is sick.

If you think you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 stay at home and contact your healthcare professional. You can also contact the Tennessee Heath Department at 1-877-857-2945 with any questions.