Shelby County, which includes the City of Memphis and surrounding areas in Tennessee, is under Shelby County Health Department Directive 24, which began on August 18, 2021. Highlights of the new directive include:

• With rapidly surging case numbers throughout Shelby County, all individuals, ages 2+, are required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all indoor public settings beginning Friday, August 20, 2021. This includes restaurants and bars, common areas and lobbies of hotels and private clubs. 

The latest updates from the CDC ease restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, noting that "fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine." Additionally, the CDC issued these clarifications: 

• These guidelines apply to travel within the U.S.
• Fully vaccinated travelers do not need COVID-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine as long as they take COVID-19 precautions while traveling
• COVID-19 precautions continue to include wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, social distancing and washing hands frequently
• Fully vaccinated travelers must still have a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight to the U.S. For more information for international travelers considering travel to the U.S., review these CDC guidelines.

Hotels and most attractions are open in Memphis, though you may find new policies in place related to capacity, operating hours, social distancing, face coverings and/or requirements related to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. Call or check social media before you visit local businesses for details and remember: Any changes you experience during your visit to Memphis right now are designed with your safety in mind. We're working hard to balance our Southern hospitality with your safety so that soon, we can offer you the full Memphis experience once again. Have questions? Engage with our team on various social media platforms using the @MemphisTravel handle.