Coronavirus Update: Tennessee Lifts Restaurant And Retail Restrictions, Opens Large Attractions

The state of Tennessee is easing its restrictions for restaurants and retail stores further by lifting the 50% capacity requirement to reopen the business. Gov. Bill Lee announced in a press conference that the latest relaxing of measures would take effect Friday (May 22).

Large attractions like movie theaters, music venues, water, and amusement parks, racetracks, auditoriums, and museums may also reopen on the said date.

The decision was made based on the recommendations of Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group.

All establishments operating amid the relaxed measures, however, will still have to enforce social distancing best practices, such as setting dining tables six feet apart for restaurants or limiting mass gathering to 10 people.

"Our state continues to see downward trends in case growth and meets the White House criteria for a phased reopening," Lee said. "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."

Six Tennessee counties, however, may be excluded from the rules. Knox, Shelby, Hamilton, Madison, Davidson, and Sullivan counties have been advised to follow its specific reopening plans upon consultation with state and health department officials.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacob, however, said that it is in a "great position" to follow the same rules.

"We are lower risk than the rest of the State and we continue to trend in the right direction," the mayor said.

According to NPR, Tennessee has an aggressive approach to testing; thus, it could relax its reopening measures. Anyone may ask for a coronavirus test, which will be paid for by the state.

"In most places, you still need to show you have the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 to get a test," Georgetown University professor Sabrina Corlette said.

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey credits its testing capacity to the private and commercial laboratories, which have been guaranteed payment by the state.

As of May 15, Tennessee has 16,699 positive cases and 287 deaths. The state government has provided an online map where locals may go for an assessment.