NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Breweries that had to close their taprooms because of COVID-19 concerns are now pivoting to home deliveries after the Metro Beer Board temporarily relaxed its regulations.
In a statement, Beer Board Executive Director Benton McDonough said, "This is a huge win for our city because it is a victory for our local industries that have been devastated by back-to-back natural disasters. Not only does this provide for a new stream of revenue in difficult times, but it enables employers in the food, beverage and hospitality industries to keep their staff employed and remain in business."
While some beer was previously being delivered via apps, now breweries can do the home deliveries directly.
"That was a huge, huge move on their part," said Sean Jewett, head brewer and co-owner of East Nashville Beer Works.
The brewery had to close its taproom when Metro passed new regulations for restaurants this week.
"Yesterday, I was helping move stuff around in the taproom to get us prepared for our setup like this, and it just really kind of hit home," Jewett said, adding that the closure has had a big financial impact on the local, craft brewery.
When the Beer Board announced the change on Friday, Jewett immediately applied for the ability to deliver. East Nashville Beer Works' first delivery went out Saturday afternoon.
"To be able to personally handle beer deliveries to our customers, that was huge for us," Jewett said. "We want to keep our employees employed and our customers happy."
The change only applies to beer and does not include liquor or wine.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
