News from MATAplus

MATAPLUS COVID-19 OPERATIONS ADVISORY MAY 1, 2020 

Attention MATAplus Customers: Starting Monday, May 4, the City of Memphis and Shelby County Government will begin executing its Back to Business phased approach to reopening the economy in Shelby County. 

Some public places such as restaurants, retail stores and places of worship may open with limited capacity during this phase. Before booking a reservation, please verify that the location you want to travel to is still open. Please keep in mind that if you book a trip and the entity is at capacity, you may have to wait until your return trip unless MATAplus has availability. 

Your patience and cooperation is appreciated as MATA works to continue to adhere to the local orders that are governing how we are able to provide transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In addition, since the COVID-19 virus is still active in the community, the MATAplus team encourages you to limit your travel as much as possible and stay home in order to limit the spread of the virus. (The current paratransit two passenger maximum will remain in effect until Phase 3 of the Back to Business plan is implemented.) 

In addition if you decide to travel outside of your home, please wear a mask or face covering as strongly recommended by the Memphis City Council and public health experts. For more information regarding the Back to Business plan, please visit covid19.memphistn.gov.

For more information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov or shelbytnhealth.com.

Thank you for riding MATA. 

City of Memphis Back-to-Business Plan

Working through the Joint COVID-19 Task Force, Shelby County government, the City of Memphis, and the six suburban municipalities have implemented proactive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. These measures have helped mitigate the progression of the disease locally. 

While the community should remain vigilant about adhering to social distancing guidelines and hygiene practices, local governments must also evaluate introducing measures that alleviate some burdens on the economy — while also balancing the need to protect citizens. A phased approach, informed by data and constantly monitored and adjusted, is the most prudent strategy for this. The approach will be informed by indicators (measurements of the status of the pandemic) and conditions (measurements of our capacity to deal with the pandemic), with policies and phasing flowing in response.

About this Framework
A flexible, data-driven approach to implementation of this framework is paramount. Additional phases and appropriate guidelines will be added as needed based on available data and expert recommendations. A dedicated email address and workflow will be established for authorities to consider and evaluate proposals for entities and/or industry groups to use alternative or additional methods of compliance.
Public messaging must be clear about the fluidity of this framework, so as to balance expectations with the requirement of adjusting guidelines based on data.
Shelby County, the City of Memphis, and the six suburban municipalities will enact this Back to Business framework through any applicable orders, including mayoral executive orders, resolutions, and ordinances. It is vitally important that as much as is practicable, the entire region operate under the same set of guidelines.

Shelby County, the City of Memphis, and the six suburban municipalities will vigorously enforce the orders developed from this plan, subject to the authorities granted. Success of the phased approach depends on consistent and timely communication, collaboration, and enforcement, as well as compliance by individual entities and the public.

In this framework, you will find the following items:
1. Indicators and conditions that will drive decision-making
2. Recommendations for each re-opening phase, including universal guidelines for all phases
3. COVID-19 Compliant Protocol
4. A grid (separate document) of sector-specific conditions for each phase

Indicators and conditions
The framework for this phased re-opening is premised on the following indicators and conditions:






























In addition, the following contextual indicators will be monitored to provide further information for decision-making:

• Trend in COVID-19 deaths
• Hospitalizations of COVID-19 positive patients
• Percentage of ventilators utilized in healthcare system
• Percentage of hospital beds utilized in healthcare system
• COVID-19 Compliant Protocol compliance by entities, monitoring reports from law and code enforcement
• Social distancing compliance by members of the public
• Adequate supplies of PPE, monitoring inventory assessments of healthcare system and Joint Task Force (for first responders)

Using the above metrics, the Back to Business subgroup of the Joint Task Force will meet frequently to review, evaluate potential adjustments, and make recommendations to leadership. This could include reversals of advancements between phases based on negative trends in the data and metrics. Trends that would prompt a reversal do not necessarily have to be 14-day trends.

A dashboard of these metrics will be created for ongoing decision support and public visibility on progress toward phase implementation.

Phase Guidelines

Universal requirements applicable to all phases
All entities must comply with the following universal guidelines, which are applicable to all phases:

• Implementation of COVID-19 Compliant Protocol (CCP) (attached as Appendix A).
• Adherence to social distancing protocol as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Adherence to sanitization practices as outlined by the CDC.
• Encourage and facilitate telework and minimize business travel to the greatest extent possible.
• Implementation of policies to ensure employees do not work when ill.
• Adherence to all other applicable CDC and industry “best practice” guidance and regulations.

Phase One
Indicators and conditions to enter this phase:
• New cases: Green
• System capacity: Green or yellow
• Public health capacity: Green on all categories
• Testing: Green or yellow (availability), green (capacity), green (timing)

General recommendations
• Operations remain status quo for entities currently deemed essential, provided they continue to meet the CCP conditions. 
• Entities currently deemed non-essential, which have limited personal contact between staff and/or visitors, may re-open facilities with restrictions and limited occupancy as outlined in the sector-specific framework. This includes restaurants and gyms/fitness facilities.
• Purposeful groups of more than 10 are not permitted.
• Indoor and outdoor facilities and public spaces may open for general recreation and non-contact sports subject to the restrictions of the CCP.
• Non-essential manufacturers/distributors, as well as offices and call centers, may re-open with restrictions and limited occupancy as outlined in the sector-specific framework.
• Elective medical procedures that are deemed medically necessary may resume.

Phase Two
Indicators and conditions to enter this phase
• New cases: Green for a 14-day period after entering Phase One
• System capacity: Green or yellow
• Public health capacity: Green on all categories
• Testing: Green or yellow (availability), green (capacity), green (timing)

General recommendations
• Non-essential businesses with close personal contact, such as hair and nail salons, may re-open with restrictions and limited occupancy as outlined in the sector-specific framework.
• Facilities for contact sports may re-open with restrictions and limited occupancy as outlined in the sector-specific framework.
• Purposeful groups of 50 or more not permitted.

Phase Three
Indicators and conditions to enter this phase
• New cases: Green for a 14-day period after entering Phase Two
• System capacity: Green or yellow
• Public health capacity: Green on all categories
• Testing: Green (availability), green (capacity), green (timing)

General recommendations
• Purposeful groups of 50 or more are not permitted, although gatherings of 50+ may be allowable if supported by the characteristics of the space and a clear social distancing plan.
• Larger venues may be permitted to operate under limited capacity and physical distancing protocols.

Appendix A: COVID-19 Compliant Protocol

All entities will be required to adhere to this protocol, which will be posted in checklist format for entities to print and utilize. The standards may be revised from time to time, based on data and expert recommendations.

Signage
o Post a sign at each public entrance to the facility to inform all employees and customers that they should:
o Avoid entering the facility if they have a cough, fever, or other signs/symptoms of COVID-19
o Maintain a minimum six-foot distance between individuals, or entire household units of up to six persons defined as residing at the same address, and other individuals
o Sneeze or cough into a cloth or tissue or, if unavailable, into one’s arm
o Not shake hands of engage in any unnecessary physical contact
o Post a copy of the COVID-19 Compliant Protocol at each public entrance to the facility.

Measures to protect employee health (where applicable to the facility)
o Everyone who can carry out their work duties from home, as determined by their employer, has been directed to do so.
o All employees have been told not to come to work if they are sick.
o Relevant COVID-19 symptom screenings are being conducted before employees may enter the work space.
o Employers must establish work arrangements so that employees are separated by at least six feet or an impermeable barrier while at their desks or individual work stations.
o Break rooms, restrooms, other common areas, and high-tough surfaces are being disinfected frequently, on the following schedule:

o Break rooms: [Entity must specify]
o Restrooms: [Entity must specify]
o Other: [Entity must specify]
o Disinfectant and related supplies are available to all employees at the following locations: [Entity must specify]
o Hand sanitizer effective against COVID-19 is available to all employees at the following locations: [Entity must specify]
o Soap and water are available to all employees at the following locations: [Entity must specify]
o Facial coverings are available to all employees whose duties and interactions with fellow employees subject them to CDC recommendations requiring them.
o Copies of this Protocol have been distributed to all employees.
o Other measures to protect employees: [Entity may specify]

Measures to protect visitor/customer health
o Disinfecting wipes or comparable disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19 are available near items frequently touched by visitors, such as shopping carts or baskets.
o Employee(s) assigned to regularly disinfect items frequently touched by visitors.
o Hand sanitizer, soap and water, or other disinfectant effective against COVID-19 are available to visitors at or near the entrance of the facility and at transaction points.
o All methods for contactless transactions are implemented. Where this is not feasible, components of transaction points such as portals, pens, and styluses are disinfected after each use.
o All other high-contact surfaces must frequently be disinfected.
o Other measures to protect visitors/customers: [Entity may specify]

Measures to ensure physical separation 
o For entities and indoor locations where staff and/or visitors generally circulate, limit the number of visitors in the facility at any one time to occupancy percentages specified in the framework. 
o For entities and indoor locations where staff and/or visitors are generally stationary, people must be kept a minimum of six feet apart as measured in a straight line from one person or member of a household unit to the next closest person, not including an impermeable internal or external wall or divider of at least eight feet high.
o Post an employee at entrance doors to ensure that the maximum number of customers in the facility, as specified above, is not exceeded.
o Place signs outside the facility reminding people to be at least six feet apart when inside the facility, including when in any lines.
o Placing tape or other markings at least six feet apart in customer or employee line areas inside facilities and on sidewalks at public entrances with signs directing customers to use the markings to maintain distance.
o Separate order areas from delivery/fulfillment areas to prevent customers from gathering.
o Instruct employees to maintain at least a six-foot distance from customers and from each other, except employees may momentarily come closer when necessary to accept payment, deliver goods or services, or as otherwise necessary.
o To reduce crowds and lines, place per-person or household unit limits on goods that are selling out quickly. [Entity may explain.]
o Other measures to ensure physical separation: [Entity may explain]
Measures to prevent unnecessary contact 
o Prevent visitors from self-serving any food items.
o Provide items such as lids for cups and condiments by staff, not for customers to procure on their own.
o Bulk-item food or supply bins are not available for customer self-service use.
o Consider providing specific hours only for specific populations such as seniors and pregnant women.
o Other measures to prevent unnecessary contact: [Entity may specify]

Click here to view grid for sector-specific phasing

HOUSING PROVIDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

4.28.2020 

FAQs – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HOUSING PROVIDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

Thanks to the Tennessee Fair Housing Council for originating this document – updated dates and local information have been added by BLDG Memphis. 

Q: My tenant has not paid rent. Can I evict them? 

A: The short answer is No. However, different types of housing fall under different rules during this State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act Eviction Moratorium applies to certain types of housing and under certain circumstances. The Tennessee Supreme Court has also issued an order halting evictions for non-payment of rent regardless of property type. See below to learn more about what may apply to your properties and tenants. 

Q: How do I know if the CARES Act applies to my housing? 

A: It depends. If you answer yes to either of the following two questions about your property or tenant, then the CARES Act applies to you and you may NOT evict a tenant for non-payment of rent. 

1. Do you participate in any of the following programs, or does your tenant? 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) • Public housing (42 U.S.C. § 1437d) • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (42 U.S.C. § 1437£) • Section 8 project-based housing (42 U.S.C. § 1437£) • Section 202 housing for the elderly (12 U.S.C. § 1701q) • Section 811 housing for people with disabilities (42 U.S.C. § 8013) • Section 236 multifamily rental housing (12 U.S.C. § 1715z-1) • Section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate (BMIR) housing (12 U.S.C. § 1715l (d)) • HOME (42 U.S.C. § 12741 et seq.) • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) (42 U.S.C. § 12901, et seq.) • McKinney-Vento Act homelessness programs (42 U.S.C. § 11360, et seq.) 

Department of Agriculture • Section 515 Rural Rental Housing (42 U.S.C. § 1485) • Sections 514 and 516 Farm Labor Housing (42 U.S.C. §§ 1484, 1486) • Section 533 Housing Preservation Grants (42 U.S.C. § 1490m) • Section 538 multifamily rental housing (42 U.S.C. § 1490p-2) • Section 542 Rural Housing Voucher Program (42 U.S.C. § 1490r)  

Department of Treasury • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) (26 U.S.C. § 42)  

2. Is the property itself secured by a federally backed mortgage? 

Q: Does this mean that I cannot evict a tenant for any reason? 

A: No. The Federal Moratorium does NOT affect cases: 

• That were filed before March 27, 2020 • That involve non-covered tenancies, or • Where the eviction is based on another reason besides nonpayment of rent 

Q: How long does this last? 

A: If your property is a covered property as listed above, the moratorium lasts for 120 days from the date of enactment (March 27, 2020). 

Q: I don't have a property that falls into any category listed above; can I evict a tenant for non-payment of rent? 

A: No. Currently, the Supreme Court of Tennessee has issued an order that no judge, clerk, or other court official may take any action to effectuate an eviction, ejectment, or other displacement from a residence between March 13, 2020 and May 31, 2020. This order may be extended. 

It is also unlawful for a property owner to shut off utilities, change the locks, or otherwise make the housing unavailable during this time. 

Q: Does this mean that I'm just out the money for rent during this time? 

A: No. Tenants are ultimately responsible for the rent that accrues during this time and property owners must give proper notice before filing a detainer once the Court Order ends. 

More information on resources available to property owners can be accessed at the National and Tennessee realtors’ association pages here: 

https://www.nar.realtor/coronavirus-resources-for-property-owners https://tnrealtors.com/covid19/ 

FAQs – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RENTERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

Thanks to the Tennessee Fair Housing Council for originating this document – updated dates and local information have been added by BLDG Memphis. 

Q: I've lost my job because of the COVID-19 pandemic; do I have any rights? 

A: Yes you do. The type of rights you have depends upon the type of housing in which you live. 

Subsidized Housing 

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed a law called The CARES Act Eviction Moratorium. It only applies to certain types of housing and under certain circumstances. 

The moratorium began March 27, 2020 and lasts until July 25, 2020. 

Q: How do I know if the Act applies to my housing? 

A: If you live in subsidized housing or tax credit housing then you are likely protected. This means that if your rent is based on your income, or if you live in housing that has income limits, you may be protected under this Act. 

Examples of the types of housing covered are: 

• Public Housing • Section 8 Vouchers • Project based Section 8 • Rural Development properties • Tax Credit Properties • Housing for the elderly or disabled 

Q: How does this help me? 

A: This means that your landlord may not file an eviction against you for non-payment of rent. In addition, they cannot charge you any fees, penalties or other charges related to non-payment of rent. 

Q: Does this mean I can't be evicted at all? 

A: No. You can be evicted for lease violations other than non-payment of rent; or if the landlord started the process before March 27, 2020; or if you don't live in a covered property. 

Q: Do I still owe rent for this time period? 

A: Yes. You will owe the rent amount for this time period. 

Market Rate Housing 

Q: I live in a property where I pay all of my rent. Does this mean my landlord can evict me even though I lost my job due to the COVID-19 situation? 

A: No. Currently, the Supreme Court of Tennessee has issued an order that no judge, clerk, or other court official may take any action to effectuate an eviction, ejectment, or other displacement from a residence between March 13, 2020 and May 31, 2020. This order may be extended. 

It is also unlawful for a property owner to shut off utilities, change the locks, or otherwise make the housing unavailable during this time. This always applies, but especially during this time. 

Actions You Can Take 

Q: I've lost my job so what should I do? 

A: There are several steps you should take: 

• Contact your landlord immediately and let them know what is going on. • If they say that you will have to move, explain the information that is written above. • In Shelby County, call the Memphis Public Library information center at 211, or the United Way of the Mid-South Relief Call Center at 1-888-709-0630 for information on agencies that might have rental assistance or counseling. 

You will have to think about your situation. 

Are you likely to go back to work when the Stay at Home order is lifted and your company reopens? 

If yes, talk with your landlord and try to work out an arrangement that will allow you to make payments on the rent you will owe, in order to get caught up.  

If no, and you don't know of any other jobs you will be able to get, you will  need to make plans on what you will do. Your landlord is not required to allow you to remain if you cannot afford the rent once the deadlines pass. 

For more local information on housing resources, you can visit Welcome Home Memphis at www.home901.org. 

Zip Code 38108 Food Pantry

Mobile Food Pantry for 38108 consumers

When: April 30th
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: 3131 Chelsea Avenue St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church


All household residents must show a valid ID showing their address or a utility bill showing their address

No more than two households per vehicle.  The amount of food is based on the number of people per household as recorded on the Eligibility form.

No WALK UPS! Anyone registering for food must be in a vehicle If a person walks up refer them to:

www.memphisfoodbank.org

All items will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.  NO stockpiling or reserve.