In today’s (5.18.20) press briefing, Mayor Lee Harris announced the opening of Phase II will last 21 days instead of the 14-day period for Phase I which ended today.
Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County health officer, mentioned some key points of Health Directive #4 which was posted to the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) website today: https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/DocumentCenter/View/1738/Health-Directive-No–4?bidId=
He said social and recreational gatherings can increase from 10 to 50 but safe distances and facial coverings should continue. He strongly encouraged customers and visitors to public locations to wear masks. He said businesses should have signs at entrances to public locations with directives to maintain social distancing, practice respiratory etiquette and wear masks.
Another highlight of the new directive, he said, is expanding the number of people into civic facilities like libraries and museums to 50% of capacity. Hotels are now allowed up to 50% capacity in common areas, he said.
Phase II allows for the reopening of personal care businesses that were not allowed to reopen under Phase I, including nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors, as long as they abide by guidance provided in Health Directive #4.
And it allows for persons to participate in outdoor activities, including sports and physical pursuits as long as social distancing can be maintained.
Dr. Alisa Haushalter, director of the SCHD, said there continues to be work to do, particularly with seniors, nursing home residents and employees, and correctional facilities. Another significant focus, she said, will be contact tracing.
Link to Back-to-Business phases: https://backtobusiness.memphistn.gov/phases/
The announcement this morning was 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,
