SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR LEE HARRIS TEMPORARILY CLOSES RESTAURANTS, BARS, GYMS IN UNINCORPORATED SHELBY COUNTY AMID NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES IN SHELBY COUNTY

Memphis, TN – Today the Health Department reported 30 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Shelby County. For this reason, Mayor Lee Harris, along with all the municipalities in Shelby County, has prepared an Executive Order to require the closure for on-site dining at restaurants, and on-premises consumption at bars, and other food and beverage establishments in unincorporated Shelby County, Tennessee. The Executive Order will go into effect Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 6:00am for unincorporated Shelby County. The Executive Order does not apply to delivery, takeout and drive-thru establishments.

Mayor Lee Harris: “The municipal mayors and I have worked together to take action to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect public health. New cases and other available data suggest we have entered a new phase with potential community spread and transmission. The temporary closure of eating establishments is important as it will support and encourage social distance. The support and collaboration among our municipal leadership is critical in protecting the public health and safety of community. As with this decision to temporarily close restaurants, it is critical that our municipal leaders continue to work together.”

The Executive Order does not apply to stores, supermarkets, offices or other non-eating businesses. However, Shelby County Health Department and the Center for Disease and Control strongly recommends that no more than 10 people gather in one place.

(end of release)