June 15 earliest possible date for Phase 3 in Tennessee

County recommends that municipalities stay in second phase of reopening plan 
The Shelby County Health Department recommends that Shelby County and all municipalities remain in Phase II of reopening until June 15.The recommendation comes after careful analysis of data since the move to Phase II on May 19.We have seen an increase in daily case numbers, particularly after the Memorial Day weekend. For that reason, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and the Shelby County Health Department have decided to maintain the current COVID-19 response level at this time.Unless there are extraordinary changes in the metrics between now and June 15, the Health Department expects to be able advance to Phase III on that date, but in the meantime, they will continue to monitor new cases, positivity rate, reproduction rate, testing capacity, hospital capacity, and public health capacity.Throughout the shutdown, the Shelby County Health Department has been advising businesses and other organizations about their plans for reopening. They have compiled resources and helpful FAQs on this web page: shelbytnhealth.com/healthdirectives. Businesses, academic institutions, community groups, and other organizations may submit proposals for reopening plans to [email protected] continue to move forward with reopening, we must all do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, workplaces and homes. We ask each of you to continue:Practicing social distancing – keeping at least six feet away from othersWearing a mask or facial covering while in public, at work, or around persons from outside of your householdWashing your hands frequently for at least 20 secondsGetting tested – we have significant testing capacity in Shelby County, but it is being under utilizedIsolating and quarantining – isolating when positive for COVID-19 and quarantining after exposure to COVID-19Protecting our most vulnerable populations:Nursing/care home residentsSeniorsIndividuals who live in congregate settings such as jails or prisonsIndividuals with chronic health conditionsWe all must take the individual actions necessary to control the spread of the virus in order to move our community forward in reopening our society and businesses.For more information about COVID-19 and community testing, please call the Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline (833-943-1658) or visit the Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage: shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus.