Governor Bill Lee announced the formation of a Coronavirus Task Force to enhance Tennessee's coordinated efforts to prevent, identify, and treat potential cases of COVID-19.

One man in Williamson County, TN has tested positive for the virus and the department of health laboratory tested the individual, and has submitted results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Governor Lee stated at a press conference:



As previously reported, the patient is an adult male from Williamson County who had recently traveled out-of-state. The patient has a mild illness and is isolated at home.

"As confirmed cases of the coronavirus spread across the country, it is important that Tennessee remains prepared," said Gov. Bill Lee. "To help us be even better prepared, this group of experts will work closely with me and my administration, along with local, state, and federal agencies as we continue to monitor any potential developments. I appreciate their willingness to serve our state."

The task force will develop and execute strong precautionary measures, resource allocation, and emergency response plans should the need arise in Tennessee.

The following Tennesseans will serve on the task force:

• Dr. Lisa Piercey, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health
• Dr. Penny Schwinn, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education
• Dr. Jonathan Moorman, Infectious Disease Division Chief, East TN State University
• Dr. Martha Buchanan, Director, Knox County Metro Health Dept.
• Mike Krause, Executive Director, TN Higher Education Commission
• Bradley Jackson, President and CEO, TN Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Tom Talbot, Chief Hospital Epidemiologist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Dr. Jonathan Perlin, Chief Medical Officer, HCA
• Dr. Wendy Long, President and CEO, TN Hospital Association
• Dr. Sara Cross, Infectious Disease Chief, Regional One Health
• Holly Sullivan, Director of Worldwide Economic Development, Amazon
• Doug Kreulen, Chief Executive Officer, Nashville International Airport
• Jeff Aiken, President, TN Farm Bureau
• David Lusk, Director, FedEx Global Security Operations Center
• Rebecca Kelly, State Director, AARP Tennessee

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit https://www.tn.gov/health.