Health dept. says SCS should be able to reopen safely with precautions Health department: Schools should be able to reopen safely with precautions By Joyce Peterson | February 3, 2021 at 10:51 PM CST - Updated February 4 at 8:10 AM MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Shelby County commissioners asked multiple medical experts if it is safe for teachers and students in the Shelby County Schools system to return to in-person learning. At this point, the responses of local, state and federal health experts all say the science shows itâs OK to open up school buildings. Nashville Metro schools return to class on Thursday. And that will leave SCS as the lone district in the state still doing 100 percent virtual learning.