KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Several Knoxville-area doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have signed an open letter petitioning Governor Bill Lee to listen to science and allow masks mandates for students in schools.

They join thousands who signed the letter, along with several physicians who are speaking out from the Memphis area, which has seen the first wave of increased COVID-19 infections that is anticipated to sweep across the state.

“The situation in Tennessee right now is critical!” said St. Jude Physician, Dr. Erica Kaye, who penned the open letter to the governor signed by more than 5,700 healthcare professionals and supporters. They are part of the Protect My Care movement.

Kaye and several colleagues mostly from the Memphis area, spoke out over the weekend in a video explaining their reasons for urging state officials to support mask mandates for schools. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE