Nashville Moves Back Into Phase 3 Of Reopening Next Week

Metro Nashville will be returning to Phase 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan next week.

During a press conference on Thursday, Mayor John Cooper announced Davidson County will move back into Phase 3 on Thursday, October 1, FOX 17 News reports.

Mayor Cooper said the decision was made after the city reported a 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate of 4.1%, which is the lowest average since the pandemic began earlier this year. Dr. Alex Jahingir also noted that the city's 7-day positivity average per 100,000 people is 14.6, which is far less than the previous average of 65 reported in June, during Thursday's press conference.

Phase 3 of Metro Nashville's reopening plan allows venues to hold events with a 30% capacity or 500 people with required approval from the city, otherwise attendance is limited to 25 individuals. Mayor Cooper's press conference was held on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, which he said was approved to host 500 attendees for its 95th Anniversary show on October 3, FOX 17 News reports.

Additionally, restaurants will now be able to host guests of up to eight individuals per table, while bars and other limited-service restaurants can now host 50% capacity or a maximum of 100 patrons on each floor and 100 individuals outdoors, FOX 17 News reports. Bars and restaurants' operational hours will be limited to 11:00 p.m.

Transpotainment vehicles will also be allowed to host up to 50% capacity or 15 individuals. Personal gatherings are now allowed to include up to 25 individuals, while large ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and other similar events can include 1/3 capacity or 500 people, with all individuals required to wear masks or face coverings with approval from Metro Nashville or will otherwise be limited to 25 people.

Davidson County initially transitioned into Phase 3 of its reopening plan on June 22, which was set to remain in tact for at least 28 days before reverting back into a modified Phase 2 on July 3, FOX 17 News reports.

Photo: Getty Images