Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced new guidelines for businesses allowed to reopen next week in 89 of the state’s 95 counties.
According to WMC-TV, Memphis, beginning Monday, restaurants can open at 50-percent capacity and following the guidelines set in place. On Wednesday, retail stores can reopen at 50-percent capacity.
Madison County is not one of the 89 counties.
The governor shared details of his reopening plan at a news conference Friday.
Lee said he tasked the Unified Command Group and Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group with input from health experts, state local partners, business and industry leaders to build what they’re calling the “Tennessee Pledge.”
The Tennessee Pledge includes specific recommendations that enable most businesses to reopen responsibly without the burden of having mandates.
“This will be a gradual return to business as usual with room to adjust as we evaluate changing data,” said Lee.
The Tennessee Pledge asks businesses to provide safe working conditions that protect their employees’ health and also protect consumers while securing their livelihoods.
The plan also asks employees to commit to protecting themselves, their coworkers and the customers they serve.
Lee is encouraging Tennessee residents to act responsibly by following guidelines for social distancing and wearing protective equipment wherever it’s appropriate.
Restaurants must adhere to the following guidelines in order to protect employees and customers:
Protecting Employees
Wear face coverings and gloves
Report any symptoms of illness to supervisor
Follow daily sanitation protocols
Protecting Customers
Limit occupancy to 50-percent of seating capacity
Space tables six feet apart
Limit seating to six per table
Use social distancing standards in waiting areas
Keep bar areas closed
No live music
Screen customers with basic questions about COVID-19 symptoms
Business Operations
Sanitize all front-of-house contact surfaces every two hours
Use disposable menus or sanitize menus between each use
Use rolled silverware/napkins stored in sealed bins
Sanitize chairs and all tabletop items after each table turn
Do not offer self-serve buffets, shared condiments, or beverage station re-use
Provide ServSafe COVID-19 training for all food handlers
Retailers must adhere to the following guidelines in order to protect employees and customers:
Protecting Employees
Wear dedicated cloth face coverings, gloves, and other personal protection items as recommended by the CDC
Report any symptoms of illness to supervisor
Provide training on personal protective equipment based on CDC guidelines
Sanitize hands with soap and/or hand sanitizer
Stagger shifts, breaks, and meals to maintain social distancing
Protecting Customers
Limit customer occupancy to 50-percent of store capacity
Customers should wear face coverings inside stores
Consider shopping hours for the elderly, medically vulnerable, and health care workers
Establish one-way aisles and traffic patterns for social distancing
Increase curbside, pickup, and delivery service options
Prompt customers regarding the importance of social distancing
Business Operations
Establish enhanced cleaning protocols that follow CDC guidelines
Designate separate entrances and exits
Use plastic shields or barriers at checkout between the customer and clerk
Adjust store hours to allow time for enhanced cleaning
Prohibit the use of reusable bags
Suspend “self-service” food stations and dining areas
Suspend the sampling of food and personal hygiene products
Management-level employees should monitor compliance
Add social distancing “reminder” signage and announcements
He said all decisions have been built on public health data that informs how the virus is moving through the state and affecting citizens.
The governor said reopening guidance will be given to gyms, churches, hospitals and physician practices next week.
Close contact services like barbershops, salons, tattoo shops and massage parlors could reopen later in May.
