Mayor John Cooper announced Thursday that Nashville is easing some COVID-19 restrictions at businesses around the city. Starting Monday (March 1), business capacity and outdoor gathering size limit will increase while restaurants and bars be allowed to operate longer hours.
According to Fox 17, the easing of restrictions across Nashville comes after the city's lower transmission and death rates amid the continued vaccinations. Despite the new guidance, masks and social distancing requirements will remain in place.
Under the new guidance, restaurants, museums and some attractions like the Nashville Zoo won't be limited to a percentage restriction, Mayor Cooper said. Instead, they can to increase capacity to a level that allows for maintaining proper social distancing. Groups gathering outdoors can now increase in size from 8 to 25 people. For larger events approved by the city, attendance can increase from 500 to 1,000, while events like weddings can increase capacity from 75 to 125.
Restaurants and bars around the city can now have 125 people per floor as well as increased seating at bar counters. Additionally, in a move that many business owners have been asking for, bars and restaurants that also serve alcohol will be allowed to stay open until 1 a.m.
More information about Nashville's COVID-19 response can be found on the city's website here.
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