News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Capacity restrictions will be lifted for restaurants and retailers beginning next Friday, Governor Bill Lee’s office announced Friday.
“Tennesseans have worked incredibly hard to do their part and help slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our state can begin to reopen,” Lee said in a statement Friday. “Thanks to their continued efforts, we’re able to allow restaurants and retail businesses to operate at greater capacity.”
Restaurants and retailers may only operate at 50 percent capacity currently. In Lee’s statement Friday afternoon, the governor said the state will focus on social distancing best practices. Lee said the six-foot table rule, for example, will continue.
Lee sited the continued downward trend in cases as the reason for the move.
“This progress has been hard-won, and we can build upon it by reopening while also maintaining common-sense safety measures like mask-wearing and good hygiene,” Lee said. “By taking the Tennessee Pledge, our businesses can reopen in a way that protects the health of their customers and employees, and protects the livelihoods of hard-working Tennesseans.”
In addition, large attraction businesses can begin reopening next Friday. These include such as racetracks, amusement parks, waterparks, theaters, dinner theaters, auditoriums, and large museums. They must adhere to social distancing procedures for both employees and customers.
Lee said further guidance will be issued next week.
The changes do not apply to Davidson, Knox, Hamilton, Madison, Shelby and Sullivan Counties.
