Shelby County expects to move to Phase 3 of the Back-to-Business Framework Monday, it was announced today (6.11.20) during a press briefing of the Joint COVID Task Force of the County and Memphis.
Dr. Alisa Haushalter, director of the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) said, “We are all in a marathon and have to plan ahead for the distance.” She said you have to make changes along the way to assure you reach the end goal which is to eliminate COVID in the community.
“We do anticipate COVID will be in Shelby County for many months to come if not a year or more. We are planning accordingly.
“We do anticipate moving into Phase 3 on Monday.” But, she said, the critical take-away are those key things to protect each other and to make sure we move forward. “I believe all of us fundamentally want our children to be able to get back to school in the fall and that’s going to really take all of us doing our part to reduce transmission.”
Link to phases: https://backtobusiness.memphistn.gov/phases/
A reminder, she said, is it’s really critical to wear masks while out in public or around individuals who are not in your household.
“For those of you who test positive it’s critical that you remain isolated for a minimum of the 10-day period. And you have to also be three days symptom-free before returning to regular activity”
Speaking of those who have been exposed to someone with COVID, she said it is important to remain quarantined for a full 14 days.
She emphasized social distancing and hand-washing for at least 20 seconds.
The SCHD is now reviewing and approving reopening plans from businesses, community groups, and other organizations, including schools and academic institutions, in advance of Phase III of the County’s Back-to-Business framework.
Throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, the Health Department has been advising businesses and other organizations about their plans for reopening, according to Joan Carr, public information officer for the SCHD. “We have compiled resources and helpful FAQs on this web page: www.shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives. Organizations may submit proposals for reopening, with their specific plans by sending them to this email address: covid@shelbycountytn.gov. Or they may use this helpful web form link, which allows them to enter their information and upload documents as attachments. “
Shelby County Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph will review the plans and gather any additional information needed, including making a site visit if warranted. The plans will then be presented to the Back-to-Business subcommittee, where they may be approved with or without modifications or denied with rationale.
The Health Department will work with organizations to help them make any needed modifications of their plans in order to ensure the safety of employees, customers and the general public.
