Paris, Tenn.–Paris and Henry County officials have offered guidelines as restaurants and retail stores begin reopening this week.
The following is their press release:
As permitted by Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Orders 27–29, some local restaurants and retail stores will be opening this week. Businesses should follow State and CDC guidelines to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19.
Instead of reopening immediately, businesses have the option to remain closed or continue offering pickup and curbside service.
Certain personal service providers (such as hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, tattoo artists and gyms/fitness centers) as well as nightclubs, bars and limited food service establishments remain temporarily closed due to prior Executive Orders of the Governor. Those establishments are expected to be allowed to reopen sometime in the coming weeks.
Even though Tennessee is slowly reopening its economy, State and local officials recommend that everyone continue to follow “safer at home” and CDC social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Those who can work from home are encouraged to do so.
Fortunately, Henry County has not experienced the high number of COVID-19 cases that some other communities have. However, if Henry Countians fail to follow “safer at home” and CDC guidelines, our community risks an outbreak similar to those affecting other rural communities throughout Tennessee and Kentucky.
As we begin reopening, the Governments of Henry County and the City of Paris strongly encourage everyone to continue to follow CDC and “safer at home” guidelines: DO YOUR PART… STAY APART!
During his Friday press release, Governor Lee provided the following guidelines for restaurants and retailers:
“Restaurants are able to reopen Monday [April 27, 2020] at 50 percent occupancy. Additionally, Tennessee retailers are able to reopen on Wednesday [April 29, 2020] at 50 percent occupancy. The state recommends that employees in both industries wear cloth face coverings and that business owners follow federal guidelines for hygiene and workplace sanitation standards related to the pandemic.
Guidelines for restaurants, retailers, and other businesses are available at: https://www.tn.gov/…/gov…/covid-19-assets/Pledge_General.pdf
Commissioner Mark Ezell said the state’s guidelines for restaurants and retail stores were developed in cooperation with business leaders in both sectors, mayors from across the state, and members of the legislature and health experts, as well as Unified Command which includes the Tennessee Department of Health. He added the reopening of future sectors would be accomplished with similar input from industry leaders and elected officials.
“We need Tennessee businesses, workers, and consumers to step up and pledge to follow these guidelines,” Ezell said. “It is critically important that we maintain our commitment to social distancing and adhere to these new guidelines so that we can continue to reopen our economy.”