MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A group of Tennessee doctors that has been pushing Gov. Bill Lee for a statewide mask mandate has turned its attention to the legislature. 

On the first day of the 2021 legislative session, doctors on Tuesday asked lawmakers for a mask mandate. They say it is needed to fight the state's severe coronavirus outbreak. 

More than 7,800 people in Tennessee have died from COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, in Shelby County the health department says vaccinations resumed by appointment Tuesday after the Tennessee Department of Health pledged to give the county 8,900 doses a week through the end of January. Vaccinations were halted last week after the county ran out of doses.