Gov. Bill Lee says the state is working with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to come up with COVID-19 projections; the estimates, including possible numbers of personal protection equipment and hospital beds needed, should help it prepare for work needed to stem the spread of the disease.

To cope with the escalating unemployment rate, the state is starting a public-private partnership with the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association, the Tennessee Retail Association and Hospitality Tennessee to create the Tennessee Talent Exchange at Jobs4TN.gov.