NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's legislative staffers are being called back to work in Nashville after spending nearly six weeks working from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Staffers are being asked to return to Cordell Hull, the state's legislative office building, starting May 4. 

"In preparation for our return to operations at the Cordell Hull Building, your health continues to be of primary concerns to us," said Connie Ridley, legislative administration's director, in a Tuesday email. "Our Speakers receive regular updates from top health officials concerning conditions and will continue to provide you with relevant information."

The Republican-dominant Legislature is scheduled to return June 1 after abruptly recessing in March because of the coronavirus. Lawmakers passed a drastically reduced spending plan for the 2020-21 fiscal year in anticipation of potential shortfalls, but they may need to tweak it further.

The building will remain largely closed to visitors and lobbyists unless they have appointments. Legislative staffers are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines and new cleaning procedures have been implemented. 

Meanwhile, roughly 23,000 of the state's employees have been instructed to remain working from home until May 26.