Q&A: Who's impacted by Chattanooga's coronavirus business closures?

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Downtown Chattanooga is seen in this view looking south along Broad Street from a parking garage. RiverCity Co. is hiring consultants to help study ways to energize the riverfront from Fourth Street to the River, including Hawk Hill. The area was photographed on December 5, 2019.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Downtown Chattanooga is seen in this view looking south along Broad Street from a parking garage. RiverCity Co. is hiring consultants to help study ways to energize the riverfront from Fourth Street to the River, including Hawk Hill. The area was photographed on December 5, 2019.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus, click here.

Effective at midnight Wednesday many Chattanooga businesses must close for the foreseeable future, per an executive order signed by Mayor Andy Berke to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The order, like similar actions in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and other cities, has left many business owners wondering what that means for their companies.

Below is a Q&A between the Times Free Press and the mayor's office based on questions submitted by readers.

What retail stores are to be closed?

Executive Order 2020-04 closes businesses that cannot by nature implement social distancing practices. These include common spaces and retail stores accessed inside shopping malls, spas, hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, nightclubs, concert venues, etc.

What about retail stores that are open?

For all other retail stores that are allowed to remain open under the executive order, we're urging they comply with the CDC's social distancing regulations of a minimum six-feet distance. If an employee has a fever they should be sent home immediately. Additionally, if a store has the ability to take online orders and allow for pickup, we strongly encourage that.

How about convenience stores and gas stations?

These will remain open.

Are child care facilities affected?

Childcare facilities will remain open.

What about outdoor businesses like golf courses?

Businesses like Academy Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods, etc. can remain open, however, we encourage social distancing and implementing online orders and pickup service. Golf courses will remain open, however, we're suggesting no more than one person to a golf cart to comply with social distancing policies.

What's the punishment for businesses caught operating outside of the executive order?

At this time [the Chattanooga Police Department] will be using their discretion to educate business owners and customers about the mandates required in EO 2020-02, 2020-04 and the Governor's EO #17. Additional enforcement may be required with owners who are repeatedly not complying with social distancing rules. To report a business out of compliance residents can call 311 at 423-643-6311.

Is the city likely to close more businesses?

The City may have to take additional steps to protect public health and safety depending on how circumstances change.

Business categories that the paper received questions about and where they stand under the executive order:

Open:Liquor storesGas stations and convenience storesWalmart and TargetHome improvement/gardening storesFinancial institutionsPet storesMechanics and other technical/trade storesCell phone storesClothing stores not accessed through a mallStores with exterior entrances at malls that do not violate social distancing policies (Barnes & Noble)Golf coursesNon-essential medical practices (dentists, chiropractors, etc. - for the time being)Closed:Department and clothing stores only accessible inside mallsSpasHair and nail salonsTattoo parlorsMovie theatersNightclubsConcert venues

Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @_sarahgtaylor

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