The Shelby County Health Dept. is plotting a massive crackdown that would force businesses to shut down just days before Christmas.
They plan to issue a “Safer at Home Health Order” that reportedly goes into effect on Monday.CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT VIA EMAIL AND PHONE.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR CITY COUNCILPERSON.
“For the period beginning December 21,2020, at 12:01 am, to January 3, 2021, at 11:59 pm: All residents not serving in positions designated as essential services should shelter at home (“safer at home”) as much as possible,” the emergency order read.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW KWAM – THE MID-SOUTH’S ONLY LOCALLY-OWNED CONSERVATIVE NEWS-TALK RADIO STATION.The Daily Memphian reports that suburban mayors are vehemently opposed to the stay-at-home orders and made their opinion clear during a call with health officials.
“As much as possible, citizens of Shelby County, Tennessee should remain at home, leaving for essential services only and avoid public spaces with the exception of outdoor spaces where there are limited people. All gatherings are strongly discouraged. Gatherings include any event or convening unrelated to essential services that brings together groups of individuals. These are the least restrictive means by which to slow the transmission of COVID-19,” the 14-page order read.
Of great concern is the part where non-essential businesses must shut down.“All owners and operators of businesses that do not provide essential services to the community must cooperate with health authorities’ efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Only those individuals serving as essential personnel should be traveling to work. Essential personnel should not be allowed in any workplace if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. All businesses not deemed to be essential are required to close their physical locations to the public. Minimum basic operations may continue for purposes of maintaining the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll, and employee benefits, or other related functions,” the order read.
The health department released a statement saying the document that was released to the media was a draft document meant to spark a conversation.
“While December 21st was identified as the effective date, it was a draft, proposed date and may change,” the statement read. “Locally, we have continued to work together to explore all options that can reduce transmission while balancing economic impact. As the document is finalized, it will be released to the media via the formal, traditional channels.”
However, at least one business has already received a copy of the directive ordering them to prepare to close on Monday – the TCBY at Wolfchase.
Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright said commissioners were not notified in advance.
“Evidently this is how county government works now. Your commissioners learn what edicts are being handed down by following the yogurt shop,” he wrote on Facebook. “This is ridiculous and we are taking a stand. In the meantime, please support small businesses this weekend.”
