Memphis tourist spots close with COVID-19 restrictions
Memphis tourist attractions and businesses were forced to close or restrict their operations temporarily to comply with the new Safer at Home order.
Amid the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Shelby County Health Department announced Monday a new health directive.
The Safer at Home order stated “social activities related to entertainment and recreation should be curtailed because they expose everyone to unnecessary risks of spreading COVID-19.”
The new order restricts business capacities and will be in effect Dec. 26 through Jan. 22.
Here’s a look at how some Memphis tourist attractions and businesses are handling the order:
Memphis Botanic Garden
On Wednesday, the Memphis Botanic Garden announced they will limit its business from Dec. 26 to Jan. 22.
The Botanic Garden’s outdoor grounds will remain open but the gift shop and Gifts of Green will close for the health directive.
The Botanic Garden’s annual light exhibit, Holiday Wonders at the Garden will also close, and purchased tickets will be refunded by Ticketmaster.
Pink Palace, Museum of Science and History
Also announced Wednesday, the Museum of Science and History Pink Palace along with its properties will close beginning Dec. 24 through Jan. 23.
Tickets for events in the closure’s timeframe will be refunded through the box office.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum will close 5 p.m. Dec. 23 and reopen Jan. 5, unless told otherwise.
National Civil Rights Museum
The Civil Rights Museum closed Tuesday and did not indicate a reopening date.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
Announced Wednesday afternoon, Slave Haven will close until further notice. The museum will notify the public of any reopening date.
Collierville Town Hall
Collierville notified residents Wednesday afternoon, all public town buildings will close beginning Dec. 28 until further notice.
All Town of Collierville public meetings in January will be virtual and livestreamed online.
Any information regarding town meetings, payments and developments can be found on Collierville’s website.
Memphis Municipal Courts
Beginning Dec. 28 through Jan. 29 judges of the Memphis Municipal Courts are suspending in-court appearances. Those with court appearances in Division 1, 2 and 3 of Municipal Court are asked to call the City Court Clerk’s office for information.
Those with tickets for driver’s license, insurance or vehicle registration violations should send documents to the email of the division you are scheduled to appear.
For more information, the City Court Clerk asks for people to visit its website.