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As Memphis, Shelby County, and the suburbs prepare to reopen, who will enforce the so-called ‘Back to Business’ framework?

Local 24 News anchor Richard Ransom says we all have a responsibility during the continuing coronavirus pandemic

MEMPHIS, Tennessee —

In Thursday's Ransom Note: our grand reopening.

When all the mayors in Shelby County agreed to not have a date for getting back to business, it was assumed that meant our first phase wouldn't be until much later than the rest of the state, certainly not before May 5th, the date Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced earlier.

Then today we learned it'll actually be Monday. I can tell you this, the people on the task force who put the plan together took it very seriously. In fact, at first glance, it can seem almost too detailed. But better to have a very specific plan than one that leaves gaps of information. That only creates even more confusion, and we've had enough of that.

The question tonight: will we police ourselves to prevent a second wave? Because enforcing this plan will be nearly impossible. We can't have police or code enforcement checking every restaurant, gym, or store to make sure they're social distancing. That's up to all of us. If you walk into a place where everyone's acting like nothing's changed, I say walk out. We don't want to have to shut down again.

Join the conversation by email (rransom@localmemphis.com), Facebook, or Twitter.

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