Governor Bill Lee doubled down on his position against a state-wide mask mandate Tuesday, less than a week after the White House reportedly recommended one for Tennessee.

A spokesperson for the governor’s office, Gillum Ferguson, said: “The governor has strongly encouraged Tennesseans to make responsible decisions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, including wearing masks in public, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home when sick.”

Lee announced Tuesday, too, that he intended to extend an order allowing mayors in the state to issue their own mandates as they saw fit.

Ferguson continued, “He has also been clear that he believes that statewide, one-size-fits-all government mandates are not the best way to achieve sustainable compliance from individuals, as they are more likely to trust local leaders and that local leaders know the needs of their communities best.”  FULL STORY HERE