KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Some are excited for the chance to get their doors back open after Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs proposed a plan to reopen county businesses. Others are wondering if it might be too soon.
A chance to reopen is something a lot of people didn't think they'd be hearing quite yet.
"Everybody needs money and everyone wants business," said Perk City owner Sherene Jacobs. "We all want to get back to normal."
Mayor Jacobs has a plan ready for after Governor Bill Lee's stay-at-home order expires on April 30. The plan will gradually reopen businesses in Knox County, in stages.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get back and keep people healthy," said Bullman's owner, Terry Bullman.
It would mean fewer people in his gym, shorter workouts and new policies to follow CDC guidelines like routinely cleaning all gear.
"We try to keep a clean gym so it's just a matter of spacing and maybe shrinking some of the class sizes, which means we'll probably continue having an online option," he said.
Jacobs is hesitant but willing to try to reopen her doors.
"I'd like to have more people but I don't want to risk people's lives because I want to give coffee out," she said.
The Mayor's plan would limit the number of people she could have in her coffee shop to 50% for two weeks, but it would grow from there.
"I'm just afraid we might be doing it a little too soon," said Jacobs.
Social distancing would still apply to staff and customers. It's a new normal that will take some getting used to, but something most are looking forward to testing out.
"Me and my team all have the mentality that you have to adapt and overcome," said Bullman.
There is no exact date as to when the phased reopening would start, but Mayor Jacobs is pushing for sometime in May.