McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland served on Governor Bill Lee’s Task Force for Economic Recovery and has outlined details of the Governor’s plans for phasing in the reopening of businesses. Holland details the guidelines for the business and retail industries and when they will be reopening.
Statement issued by Mayor Holland:
“We know everyone is ready to get back to work, and although we know that it will be awhile before we all feel “normal” again, as long as we all keep practicing the 6 foot social distancing guidelines, wear masks, wash hands for 20 seconds and don’t touch our face, we can keep progressing, slowing the virus and reopening our community and state.
“For the past couple of weeks, I have served on the Governor’s task force for economic recovery. About 250 people served on the sub committees representing retail, trucking, banking, cosmetology, restaurants, hospitality, hotels, grocers, labor and workforce, insurance, cities, counties, chambers, and more. Each sub-committee was tasked with writing the guidelines for each industry with stipulations for the employers, employees, and customers.
“The alignment on strategy for the 89 counties lowest in population will be the same. The larger counties and cities will be working with their health departments to determine reopening procedures.
“Each industry will be phased in with restaurants opening on Monday and retail opening on Wednesday. Each will be allowed to open at 50% capacity, and Covid 19 prevention guidelines will be posted on our Facebook page and website.
“In order to assure employees and customers that businesses are taking all the safety measures outlined, the Governor is asking that the Tennessee pledge be posted at their business. It is important for customers to see the pledge before entering the building, and employees also see the pledge. We will post the pledge on our website and Facebook page.
“All industries will be required to have PPE (personal protective equipment) so it was advised that businesses begin to obtain this. It will be important to have masks, thermometers, and gloves in addition to any other protective equipment which is necessary to open according to an industry’s specific guidelines. Customers are strongly urged to wear masks as when everyone is working together, others are not infected and the spread of the virus slows.
“Bowling alleys, gyms, barber shops and beauty shops including spas, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, and massage businesses will be opening at a later date. However, the governor has not announced when. These close contact business openings will be dependent upon when the state is assured that they have the necessary protective equipment.
“Those businesses in the “not now” category include bars, bars in restaurants, night clubs, concert halls, live music venues, race tracks, and performing arts centers.
“Many of us are concerned when our churches will be able to reopen. These were taken off the economic recovery task force and put into the governor’s office and faith based initiatives. We will hear from them as soon as they establish guidelines which they feel are safe for the congregations. We all hope that will be soon.
“Elective surgeries were also taken off the task force and given to the health department and the unified command group. They will also be establishing the guidelines and date to begin these.
We have had questions regarding employees who refuse to go back to work. According to the department of workforce and labor, the state is tracking where that recipient of those funds worked, and if they refuse to return when their place of employment reopens, then an investigation will follow. More than likely, the funds will stop and possibly have to be returned. Depending on the circumstances, it could be a case of fraud.
“If an employee does not return to work because he/she does not feel it is safe, then an investigation occurs to determine if there is an actual risk to the employee. This is another reason why it is so important that employers follow the standards they receive for their industry.
“The state has ordered 5 million masks, and as soon as we receive the source for obtaining those masks, we will pass it on to you.
“Dilla’s Sewing in McKenzie is also making masks and gowns, and he can be contacted for orders in case you need them.
“In addition to our industries, the cities and counties are receiving our guidelines for re-opening, and hopefully, we will be able to safely interact with our customers and citizens ensuring both your safety and the safety of our employees. We will keep you posted as we receive more information.
Please be safe, socially distance, and stay healthy.”