NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —Nashville will be staying in Phase Two of economic reopening as city leaders say some numbers are concerning.
Mayor Cooper said in a Thursday news conference that some numbers are concerning, so the city is staying in Phase Two.
“We will continue hopefully just a little bit longer,” Cooper said. "We are close to getting into Phase Three."
Instead of moving on to Phase Three or regressing to Phase One, Nashville will stay in Phase Two and continue to monitor coronavirus cases.
Dr. Alex Jahangir said part of this decision is because of cluster in the southeast part of Nashville. Heatmaps continue to show COVID-19 in that area. Janhangir said there has been expanded contact tracing and resources in those communities. Metro leaders are coming up with a more aggressive plan to bring more testing and “testing strike teams” to the southeast part of the county.
Dr. Jahangir said southeast Nashville will remain on the same reopening plan as the rest of Nashville.
“This pandemic is not a southeast Nashville problem," Dr. Jahangir said.
As of Thursday, there are 6,627 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Davidson County, including 80 deaths and 5,110 recoveries. An increase of 56 new cases in 24 hours.
Phase Two: What's Open?
Phase Two includes reopening of tattoo parlors, barbershops, hair and nail salons but limits customers to 10 or less customers or half capacity, whichever one comes first.
Gyms and other high-touch businesses can open at half capacity.
Restaurants, bars that serve food and retailers are allowed to increase their capacity limits to 3/4 instead of half. Bar seating is still not allowed and tables should be 6 feet away. Lower Broadway will again come alive with music as live entertainment is allowed as long as there is a minimum of 15 feet of space between performers and audiences. Dance floors remain closed.
It also allows small gatherings, like meetings religious services and weddings, up to fewer than 25 people with strict social distancing guidelines.
All residents are asked to wear face masks or coverings in public. Folks are still being asked to work from home if they're able to do so.
Those 65 years old or older with underlying health conditions should remain home.