Monday, restaurants in 89 of Tennessee’s 95 counties were able to re-open their dining rooms, but not everyone did.
Breakfast Cove, Pappy & Jimmy’s and JT’s Burgers and Wings are among those who opened and MidSouth BBQ is planning to re-open Tuesday.
“We will be at 50 percent seating capacity and we will screen customers on their way in,” MidSouth BBQ Owner Brian Dickey said. “We will all have masks and gloves.”
Others have chosen to wait a little longer before opening their doors or are adapting in other ways.
“We at Jose’s Mexican Street Food family-owned and operated restaurant have came to a hard decision regarding our family, employees and community safety first,” posted owner Jose Reyes. “… Jose’s will not be opening its dine-in to the public like the state’s reopening plan says next week, however we will continue our curb side and delivery services until further notice because we believe the safety of our community comes first.”
Well’s Kitchen said they’re taking things slowly, operating with abbreviated hours for three hours in the evenings.
Restaurants have a list of requirements for best practices for social distancing, which is part of what Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is calling the Tennessee Pledge. The initiative also provides guidelines for the re-opening of retail establishments, which is set for Wednesday.
Just like the mixed reaction from restaurant owners, not every retailer plans to re-open this week.
Hometown Flowers & Gifts will continue to offer no-contact delivery and drive-through options.
“Doing all I can to keep my customers and employees safe,” said owner Kathy Wright. “Hope other businesses do the same.”
Others, like Liberty Vintage Market, are eager to begin to re-open after business practices have been modified for the last seven weeks. Owner Lisa Keith reminds patrons to continue with safety in mind.
“We’re excited to see businesses begin reopening and encourage you to wear a mask in public and maintain a six-foot social distance,” she said Monday on social media.
What are the numbers today?
Confirmed cases: 95, which includes at least 29 inmate at the West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason
Average increase in confirmed cases per day: 2.37
Testing
Tipton Countians tested: 1,182
Number negative: 1,088
If you’d like to be tested, check out our list of testing sites.
Recovery and hospitalization
Number of Tipton Countians recovered: 42
Number hospitalized at Baptist-Tipton: 0
With 95 confirmed cases and 42 reported recoveries, this means there are at least 52 active cases of COVID-19 in Tipton County.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
