Restarting our economy safely while keeping public health at the fore is not only what is best for the public's health -- it is also what's best for economy.

Here's what that means to us at this point and going forward. 1/

Yesterday I learned that, despite public and private assurances otherwise, the @Chattanooga_gov would not be making its own decisions for the reopening of restaurants. This has understandably caused a lot of confusion for a lot of people in our city. 2/

Chattanooga will obey the law, and I will do everything possible to ensure its success. I want every restaurant to make its payroll and I want to protect as many Chattanoogans as possible from contracting the coronavirus. 3/

We can and must restart our economy safely, keeping public health at the fore. Workers must feel confident that going back to their jobs will not threaten their health or their families’ health. Consumers will only return to restaurants if they know it is safe to do so. 4/

I do not believe that is accomplished under the State’s current plan. It fails to account for the growing number of positive cases across the state, and especially in Southeast Tennessee. 5/

The state's plan goes against warnings of public health experts and medical researchers like the @tnmed and @VUMChealth. It lacks the groundwork to ensure that restaurant owners have the supplies they need to keep people safe from the virus. 6/

We also know that if cases increase, the impact will be felt hardest by the most vulnerable people in our city. So I make two pledges:

First, I will do everything I can to ensure that Chattanooga businesses have the advice & protective equipment they need to open safely. 7/

Second, our City government will continue to reach out and look for ways to help those affected by the ongoing pandemic and economic stoppage. 8/

Please remember: you have a responsibility to keep yourself and those around you safe. Wear a mask when you go into the public. Wash your hands frequently. Stay six feet away from other people. Only go places that are observing best practices.

Take care and stay safe. 9/9