BREAKING: Mayor John Cooper Limits Gatherings To 8 People

Public and private gatherings will be limited to 8 people starting on Monday (November 23), said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. The previous limit in Davidson County was 25 but was lowered ahead of Thanksgiving due to the rising coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.

Mayor Cooper announced the restrictions during his weekly press briefing on Thursday (November 19).

"The rule of eight needs to be our guide as we enter the holiday season," said Cooper. "It should prompt everyone to think with caution when inviting friends over for dinner or going to a baby shower or hosting a game night."

He continued, "It's critical we limit our social contacts to eight or to one other household if you must. The rule of eight acts as that reminder."

Cooper and health officials are concerned that the holidays could become a super-spreader event and encourage people to reconsider any planned gatherings with others outside of their household.

"With the virus surging, now is simply not the time for large social events that could lead to any contact between clusters," he said.

On Monday, Tennessee recorded its highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic with nearly 8,000 new cases reported. The hospitalizations recorded on Monday were also at an all-time high at 1,810, but that number was surpassed on Thursday when it was reported that 2,003 people are currently in the hospital with COVID-19. There are currently 362 patients being treated in Nashville hospitals.

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