Gov. Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group issued new guidelines Thursday for non-contact sports, camps and higher education under the Tennessee Pledge in most of the state.

Six counties – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – may continue to follow individual reopening plans created in consultation with state and local health departments.

“We’re able to continue reopening our state thanks to the sustained efforts by Tennesseans to social distance and mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Lee said. “It’s important we continue to take personal responsibility for our health and the health of our neighbors, while recognizing and honoring the need for Tennesseans to get back to work and support their families.”

Under Executive Order No. 38 issued May 22, non-contact sports may resume under certain precautions, including efforts to maintain social distancing, wearing masks when feasible and adding sanitization measures. Sports that may return under the current guidelines include but are not limited to baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, disc golf, tennis and racket sports, cycling, track and field and other running events, and equestrian. Contact sports such as football, wrestling and hockey are not permitted, except for practicing in a manner that does not involve close physical contact with other persons. 

Previously released summer camp guidance has been expanded to address the safe reopening of overnight camps. The Economic Recovery Group is recommending additional protective measures for residential camps, including thorough pre-screening measures, limited mixing of campers and staff and modified sleeping arrangements, among a number of additional efforts to protect campers and staff.

Newly released higher education guidelines recommend a number of safety precautions to protect staff and students. Recommendations to Tennessee colleges and universities include establishing policies for on-campus housing, how to isolate and care for sick students and staff, limiting the number of attendees for in-person classes and other measures. This guidance was created by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in partnership with state colleges and universities and related associations and the Unified Command. 

Full guidelines can be found on TNpledge.com for non-contact sports, summer camps and higher education.