Nashville Mayor To Require Face Masks In City Buildings As Delta Variant Surges

Nashville Mayor John Cooper will require face masks indoors at all city buildings starting Thursday.

The mayor’s announcement follows a new wave of coronavirus infections tied to the more contagious Delta variant, with the number of active cases now standing at 2,718, compared to 444 one month ago.

The percentage of positive tests is currently higher than 11 percent, compared to less than 2 percent in June, Cooper’s office reported. Meanwhile, 53.6 percent of Davidson County’s population has received at least one shot of the vaccine, compared to 57.9 percent nationally and 44.8 percent in Tennessee.

“Vaccinations are our best tool for ending the pandemic,” Cooper released in a statement on Wednesday. “If you’ve been on the sidelines, waiting, now is your time to get vaccinated. Our Public Health Department has a vaccine waiting for you so you can protect your health and your family’s health.”

The variant has led to a rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths mostly across Tennessee’s unvaccinated population. On Monday, state Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said the unvaccinated account for 93% of all cases, 95% of all deaths and 90% of all hospitalizations.

Nashville’s latest wave of infections is lower than previous peaks because about half of the city’s residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. But the city is still seeing a steady increase in new cases concerning public health officials.

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Consistent with CDC evidence of transmission by vaccinated persons, face coverings will be required for both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals while inside Metro buildings.

The executive order applies to Metro employees and members of the public. Masks are not expected to be worn if an employee is working in their individual workstation or while outdoors.

Metro Government joins Shelby County, Hamilton County and the City of Knoxville in requiring masks inside city buildings. Notably, the University of Tennessee system will also require masks indoors on all its campuses. Due to TSA regulations, WeGo and BNA will continue to require masks.

The mayor’s officer reported Metro’s masking policy will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis as disease rates decline and vaccination levels improve.