With governors and mayors across the South differing in their approaches in reopening the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Times Free Press has compiled a list of the different stay-at-home orders and what businesses will and will not be allowed to reopen soon across the region. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
- In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee has announced he will allow the "vast majority" of businesses to reopen on May 1.
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger said the county will reopen on May 1, following the decision of Gov. Bill Lee.
Beginning Monday, April 27, all restaurants in Chattanooga and Hamilton County could reopen at 50% capacity. Although, many restaurants are choosing to stick with takeout and delivery.
Non-essential retailers and gyms can reopen Wednesday, April 29.
Golf courses, drive-thru car washes, pet groomers, parks, trails and other public spaces in Chattanooga can open Friday, May 1.
Barbershops, hair salons and nail salons can open Wednesday, May 6, according to Lee.
Tennessee State Parks also reopened on Friday, April 24.
On Tuesday, April 28, Lee issued a new order that stated entertainment and recreational gathering venues must remain closed to the public for now, including, but not limited to, bars, night clubs, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, concert and sporting event venues, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, racetracks, indoor children's play areas, adult entertainment venues, amusement parks, senior centers, and skating rinks.
Nursing homes and similar retirement and long-term-care facilities must remain closed to visitors, except for critical assistance and in end-of-life situations.
Social and recreational gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including but not limited to festivals, fairs, parades, youth and adult sporting events, and overnight summer youth camps.
- In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that gyms, hair salons and barber shops, massage therapists, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors are among businesses that opened Friday, April 24, under Gov. Brian Kemp's new plan to reopen the state's economy. Those businesses are allowed to be open as long as owners follow strict social distancing and hygiene requirements.
On Monday, April 27, movie theaters were given permission to resume selling tickets and restaurants limited to takeout orders were able to go back to limited dine-in service.
Malls and other retail stores were given the go ahead to open Friday, May 1. Some have decided to stay closed.
Kemp let the state's shelter-in-place order expire Thursday, April 30 at midnight. He also extended the state of emergency to June 12.
At least until May 13, bars, nightclubs, amusement parks and entertainment venues will still be closed. Businesses and restaurants still have to abide by strict guidelines to be open.
- In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said she intends for now to keep a stay-home order active through April 30 and will decide next week on what can reopen.