Shelby County, which includes the City of Memphis and surrounding areas in Tennessee, is under Shelby County Health Department Directive 27, which began on October 27, 2021. Highlights of the new directive include:

Health Order No. 27 includes the following changes:

• Due to the decline in COVID-19 cases reflecting that Shelby County is currently not a high transmission area, it is highly recommended that businesses continue to require masks in indoor, public settings.
• Masks are still required for indoor school settings with noted exceptions including one for certain teachers to remove their masks for educational purposes.
• The current status of booster doses (as of October 27) is explained to include anyone 65 and older regardless of whether they have an underlying medical condition.
• Health Order No. 27 supersedes Health Order No. 26, and it expires on November 30, 2021. Further orders will depend on levels of vaccination rates (such as whether the County has attained a vaccination rate of 70%), vaccine access and eligibility, hospital capacity, and/or cases per 100,0000 residents.

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.
• International travelers visiting the U.S. must be fully vaccinated if you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. immigrant. A negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 is required when traveling to the U.S. by air. Masks are also required in indoor areas of public transportation, including airplanes and inside airports. 

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.