In a time of social distancing, face coverings and emergency declarations, it is a most unusual second Sunday in May.
It is Mother’s Day, a holiday set aside to honor mothers, often with homemade art, breakfast in bed, flowers, candy, church services and dining outside the home.
But this year is anything but typical. The COVID-19 pandemic has sheltered families at home for two months, so celebrations will be a bit different.
In a media briefing Friday (5.7.20) of the Joint COVID Task Force for Memphis and Shelby County, David Sweat, chief of epidemiology for the Shelby County Health Department, said there are several things to consider for those wishing to dine out for Mother’s Day.
He said definitely make sure the restaurants are following the percentage and social distancing guidelines and that all employees are wearing face masks. Also, he said, note that all the safety precautions in the Back-to-Business Framework are being followed. Link: https://backtobusiness.memphistn.gov/ He added that a suggestion would be to support local businesses by ordering take-out meals to eat at home. And he recommended against gatherings of 10 or more.
During the same briefing, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said he would advise everyone to be careful. “With respect to relatives that don’t live in your household and with respect to relatives that are older in age and with relatives that have underlying medical conditions, that we want to try as best we can to keep them safe and to practice social distancing.”
For Mother’s Day you can call your mother, the Mayor said. “You should call your mother every day.”
Phase One of the Back-to-Business Framework began May 4th. Some restaurants have reopened for inside dining. Non-contact sports facilities are open and most Tennessee State Parks opened April 24th. Beale Street shops and restaurants are open with protocols.
From Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland:
https://covid19.memphistn.gov/covid-19-update-from-mayor-strickland-5-7/
Tennessee State Parks: https://tnstateparks.com/about/keeping-visitors-healthy
Lakeland remains under a Declaration of Emergency until May 15th. https://lakelandcurrents.com/lakeland-emergency-declaration-extended-another-week/
