As reopening of the Memphis area economy moves into Phase 2, here’s what changes from Phase 1. 

The highlights are that Phase 2 allows the reopening of “close contact” businesses such as nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors. The reopening of “close contact” businesses in Shelby County under Phase 1 was limited to barber and beauty shops. 

Malls reopen, but not all big-box retailers welcoming customers

The second phase also includes facilities for contact sports and “purposeful” gatherings of under 50 people.

As in Phase 1, the reopenings in Phase 2 come with specific measures for social distancing and capacity limits.

Dining facilities in noncontact sports businesses or facilities, like golf courses and tennis courts that opened in Phase 1, can reopen in the second phase at 50% capacity.

And gyms and other physical fitness facilities can move from 25% capacity in Phase 1 to 50% of capacity in Phase 2. 

Phase 2 reopening begins, expands waiting period to 21 days

A more detailed listing of openings according to the Shelby County Health Department’s new directive issued Monday is below, but for complete details read the full directive.

Government offices

• Federal and state offices and services, including post offices and airports, as prescribed by federal and state guidelines.
• County and municipal government functions, offices, and buildings, including law enforcement, transportation and businesses/operations that provide government programs and services.

Health care

• Health care professionals licensed under the provisions of Title 63 of Tennessee Code Annotated. Industry-specific standards and regulations as to COVID-19- related safety protocols must be followed.
• To the extent not controlled by the State of Tennessee, biomedical research, and businesses that directly support the health care industry, including health information technology, staffing, and supplies.

Critical infrastructure

• Critical Infrastructure businesses already operating under the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance for employee and workplace safety.

Agricultural and related businesses

• Veterinary and pet supply businesses and services, including the caring and feeding of pets, livestock and farm animals.
• Agricultural and horticultural operations, including those businesses that directly support the food supply, including food processing, feed mills, nurseries, greenhouses, farmers’ markets, food banks, community gardens, garden centers and landscape architectural services.

Other businesses

• Sanitation and waste removal services and businesses.
• Energy, water and sewage services and businesses.
• Pharmacies and medical supply businesses, and other related businesses that directly support the drug and medical supply pipeline.
• Vehicle fuel, support and service stations.
• Banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, accounting businesses and other businesses that directly support the insurance and financial services sector.
• Legal and judicial services as prescribed by local, state and federal courts.
• Laundromats, laundry and dry-cleaning services.
• Warehousing and storage.
• Construction and facilities design businesses.
• Transportation services including buses, taxis and other private transportation providers.
• Home and business cleaning and maintenance services.
• Parcel/mailings transportation and delivery businesses.
• Internet and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services).
• Print, online and broadcast media.
• Funeral and burial services.
• Civic facilities, such as libraries, tourist attractions, and museums, may reopen at 50% building occupancy.