Nashville to stay in Phase Two as 14-day COVID-19 case trend ticks upward

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Nashville will be staying in Phase Two of economic reopening as city leaders say the 14-day case trend has ticked upward.

While Mayor Cooper said Thursday's coronavirus case count is relatively lower than the past few days, the two-week average is showing an increase.

"Given the recent uptick in case numbers, we need more data to continue making well-informed public health decisions," Mayor Cooper said. "We will continue Phase Two of the Roadmap for Reopening Nashville while examining our public health benchmarks every day, with a goal of starting Phase Three as soon as it’s safely possible.”

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 says upward trend in COVID-19 cases "concerning enough to slow down."

As of Thursday, Metro Health said there were 81 new COVID-19 cases reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall total in Davidson County to 5,831 including 66 deaths and 4,448 recoveries.

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.