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If Gov. Lee’s call to reopen is not the right move, all of us could pay a huge price

Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on reopening businesses in Tennessee.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County is surrounded by two other Tennessee counties – Tipton and Fayette – both with suburban and rural populations. Lauderdale and Haywood counties are also nearby. All of which means Memphis and Shelby residents will be paying close attention in the coming days to the reopening of businesses in those outlying counties – even as the coronavirus continues to spread.

Governor Bill Lee is allowing restaurants in 89 counties to begin opening their doors Monday, with retail outlets opening two days later. All with restrictions on the number of customers allowed at one time and with social distancing in place.

Shelby and five other more populated counties are not part of the governor’s plan. And Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has said his stay at home order will remain in place until May 5th.  But with our neighbors free to roam next week, how will that impact Shelby’s number of coronavirus cases? We’ll have to wait and see.

The big question for me has always been what factor is driving these governmental decisions? Is it public health, the economy, or politics? I believe Memphis and Shelby’s elected leaders have wisely allowed public health take the lead. While at the state level, it’s been a combination of all three.

Hopefully, Governor Lee’s move to end his stay at home order now is the right the call. Because if it’s not, all of us could pay a huge price. And that’s my point of view.

RELATED: Mid-South coronavirus updates: City of Southaven holds special meeting on COVID-19 "Comeback Plan" / Shelby County Mayor extends stay at home order

RELATED: Gov. Lee outlines 'Tennessee Pledge' reopening plan; many restaurants will be allowed to reopen at half capacity starting Monday

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