Updated 4/30/20

Many individuals from Giles County are headed back to work as the state’s economy slowly reopens amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Representative Clay Doggett said Thursday during WKSR Bonus Hour if an individual does not feel comfortable going back to work because of COVID-19, they can receive a weekly federal benefit, but not the $275 state unemployment payment.
"Employees who do not feel comfortable can continue receiving the pandemic unemployment insurance from the federal government, which is $600 a week," Doggett explained.
Doggett said several people in Giles County are waiting for their first unemployment check.  
During the morning interview, Doggett emphasized that if a claimant continues to have unemployment problems, they should call his office at 615-741-7476.
Some businesses have been pushing Congress for their own legal protections, such as expanding workers’ compensation for those exposed to the virus on the job.
Legal experts say they expect to see a spike in complaints as people get back to work. They say businesses should have safety plans and make sure their employees know about them.
Meanwhile, Governor Bill Lee is still asking those who can work from home to continue to do so.