NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Nashville has received 400 complaints over businesses during first week of reopening.
Most of those are employees not wearing facial coverings or not wearing them properly, Dr. Alex Jahangir said during a news conference Monday.
Metro Health said its following up with businesses and continuing education. If Metro Health finds that businesses have been educated and continue to break the rules, fines will be issued.
Four businesses were cited before Phase One began for violating the Safer at Home order and fined $50 per person:
Nashville businesses could face warnings, fines and potentially jeopardizing their permits if they're found to be non-compliant with Phase One reopening rules.
Last month, Metro Health investigated 500 compliance complaints against businesses.
Davidson County entered Phase One last Monday which opened restaurants, bars that serve food and retailers. It comes with requirements of operating at half capacity, posting signs about COVID-19 safety measures, workers wearing face masks, screening employees for high temperatures and continues strict social distancing guidelines.
Dr. Caldwell said it all starts with information and education for businesses. Metro has laid out guidelines, answered frequently asked questions and hosted webinars for these businesses.
However, Dr. Caldwell said there is a proactive approach when it comes to ensuring compliance. First comes a warning, then possible fines.
'Anytime we get a complaint about compliance, we will be back," Caldwell said.
If businesses still refuse to listen to Metro Health requirements, they are jeopardizing their permits.
"We don't want it to get to that level," Dr. Caldwell said.
For these businesses that don't follow the rules, Dr. Caldwell has a message.
"You are putting the public's health at risk," Dr. Caldwell said. "I assure you, we will us all our available resources to enforce this."
This system for compliance will continue as Nashville moves along the roadmap of reopening. In fact, Metro Health is hiring up to 20 more investigators to assess and ensure compliance, Dr. Caldwell said.
For the people of Nashville, Dr. Caldwell said if they come across a restaurant or business not following the rules, go to another establishment.
"You may feel ready to be out of your house and eat anywhere but home," Dr. Caldwell said. "We are entering a new COVID-19 world."
Compliance reports can be made by calling 311 or visiting Nashville's COVID-19 website.