MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If you are like me, you long ago became coronavirus weary. This pandemic has taken a huge toll, if not on our physical health, then certainly on our emotional well-being. But getting back to normal is still a long way off. In fact, the overused term new normal is likely what we can expect for months, maybe even years to come.
At least local health officials are doing their best to help. Tuesday, the Shelby County Health Department dropped the limit on 50% capacity for all businesses - that includes restaurants, retail stores, even local courts. In addition, local bars can reopen for business after being shut down completely since early July.
All of this takes effect Wednesday, and it’s good for the economy. I’m sure the 50% capacity is being eased because people are complying with the mask mandate – and social distancing. But let’s not kid ourselves. We are still fighting a menacing pandemic that continues to infect people every day - Shelby County Schools are still holding virtual classes – while local high school athletes continue to test positive for COVID-19.
I applaud health officials for working to keep us safe from this invisible and deadly menace. No, they have not been perfect, but they have been dedicated. And the issue now is for us, all of us, to not drop our guard. Let’s keep moving in the right direction. And that’s my point of view.