MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis/Shelby County COVID-19 Joint Task Force has decided to move forward with Phase 2 of the Back to Business plan Monday.
“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 II of our Back-to Business plan allowing more Memphians back to work in a safer way.”
The Shelby County Health Department will release a new health directive on Monday that includes new orders and recommendations for individuals and businesses as we go to phase two.
Phase two will last for the next 21 days. During that time, social gatherings can expand from just 10 people to 50, and more people will be allowed inside libraries, museums, tourist attractions and hotels.
Non-contact recreational activities and facilities can now open at 50 percent capacity.
Tattoo shops, nail salons, spas and tanning salons will also be allowed to reopen with guidelines.
Everyone is still expected to follow the social distancing guidelines and wear a mask whenever possible.
Mayor Lee Harris also announced a proposal before the Shelby County Commission that aims to create 141 positions in the Shelby County Health Department that will be solely devoted to contact tracing.
This is a developing story.