Phase II of Back-to-Business Plan begins today in Shelby, Memphis

Based on the four criteria the COVID-19 Joint Task Force has been monitoring, including the growth in new cases, health care systems capacity, public health system capacity and testing capacity, the Task Force has made the decision to begin Phase II of the Back to Business plan today (5.18.20).

This information comes from Joan Carr, public information officer for the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD).

From Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris

“I am grateful for the hard work and many sacrifices of the residents of Shelby County. We have seen encouraging results because of a collective willingness to do all that we can to reduce the spread and embrace new skills, like social distancing. Although we still have a long way to go in Shelby County’s fight against COVID-19, we have made substantial progress and are therefore prepared to enter Phase 2. We all played a role in getting to this important mile marker. We all have a role to play to get to the next one.”

From Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland

“Over the last 14 days, we’ve been closely monitoring the data,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “Based on the opinion of our medical experts, we are ready to move to Phase ll of our Back-to Business plan allowing more Memphians back to work in a safer way.”

From Bartlett Mayor A. Keith McDonald

“With the necessary precautions we have made the improvements needed to move to Phase 2. I am happy more people can get back to work.”

From Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner

“Thanks to citizens diligence in social distancing, staying at home, wearing mask and the other things you have done to protect yourselves and others, we are able to move to phase 2.  Keep up the good work!!”

From Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo

“In Germantown we are committed to continue the prescriptive balance of commerce, public health safety and quality of life within our community. Entering Phase Two, following the directive and guidelines of the Shelby Health Department will allow us to strike a solid balance by continuing reopening and recovery in Germantown.

From Lakeland Mayor Mike Cunningham

“As the Mayor of Lakeland, I am honored to stand with all Shelby County Mayors and announce the opening of Phase 2 of our Back to Business Plan effective today. I would like to thank all of our Phase 2 businesses for their patience during this time.”

From Millington Mayor Terry Jones

“The municipal mayors of Shelby County, along with Mayor Harris have been in constant communication with the Health Department to proceed with Back to Business. Millington is looking forward to moving into Phase 2 with caution. We are all concerned with the health and welfare of our communities.  Many small businesses are eager to get back to work with the health directives that have been set. We need all of citizens to please do their part in helping to defeat the spread of this Covid-19 virus.”

From Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman

“The data is very encouraging to see the path we are on, and I’m hopeful as we enter phase 2 we continue this trend that allows businesses and citizens to get closer to normalcy.”

The SCHD will soon issue a new Health Directive #4 with new orders and recommendations for individuals and businesses as we move into Phase II, according to Ms. Carr.  Once issued, that Health Directive will be posted on the Shelby County Health Department website here: www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives.

Numbers reported from the SCHD today are 3,761 cases: 1,223 current (32.5%); 85 deceased (2.3%, an increase of 1 from yesterday); and 2,453 recovered cases (65.2%). The total number of tests in the County is 52,227.

Numbers from the Tennessee Department of Health:

17,388 cases (+100 since yesterday); 9,652 recovered (+123); 298 deaths (+3); 1,482 hospitalized (+8); and 325,280 tested (+5,079).

THD webpage: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html