Nashville Leaders Detail Plan to Reopen - Nashville Scene

Five Points Pizza in East NashvillePhoto: Eric England

Metro Nashville leaders on Thursday released their plan for a phased reopening of the city’s businesses and public places, which could begin as soon as May 1, depending on the continued spread of COVID-19 during the next week.

“We are cautious about not doing it too soon,” Mayor John Cooper said. “It would be easier to have a date certain, but it may not be safe on that date.”

In the first phase, residents would continue to be asked to work from home if possible, schools would remain closed, and gatherings of more than 10 people would continue to be prohibited. But restaurants and bars serving food could open at half-capacity with employees screened daily and required to wear face masks. Retail stores and commercial businesses could also reopen at half-capacity and with masked employees. Gyms, hair salons and entertainment venues would remain closed under the plan. Doctors could begin to perform routine and elective procedures for those under 70 years old during the first phase.

Each subsequent phase of the reopening plan would be triggered by 14 days of continued progress on different disease-related metrics, including testing, hospital and contact-tracing capacity.

Metro Board of Health director Alex Jahangir said that the city is currently at a “green light” on most metrics, with one or two at a “yellow light,” despite a spike in new cases reported Thursday. If the metrics remain stable, the first phase could begin at the start of May, he said, but if there is backsliding between now and then, city officials will reevaluate.

The second phase, which could come after 14 days of improvement under phase one, would herald the allowance of gatherings of up to 50 people, with restaurants and retail businesses allowed to open at three-quarters capacity. Bars and bar areas, including live music venues, would remain closed and employees would still be required to wear face masks. Nail and hair salons could open by appointment only and with staff and customers limited to no more than 10 people at a time, while gyms and sports venues would remain closed. In the second phase, those age 65 and older would still be encouraged to stay home, and everyone would be encouraged to work from home if possible. People of all ages could seek routine and elective medical procedures during this phase.

Absent backsliding for another 14 days, phase three would mark a further reopening of the city’s public places. Those age 65 and older would still be urged to remain home, people would be asked to work from home if possible, and masks would still be encouraged. Restaurants and retail businesses could open at full capacity, and bars could open at half-capacity. Gyms could open with strict cleaning and employee protection protocols. Gatherings of as many as 100 people would be allowed.

The fourth and final phase would remove most restrictions and make employee masks optional. Large event venues could open with employees screened daily.

Some health officials predict that the tightening and loosening of restrictions will continue until a vaccine can be developed, which could take 18 months or more. Bill Frist, a doctor and former Senate majority leader, said the effect would be like an accordion.

Frist, a prominent Republican who was among the doctors calling on Republican Gov. Bill Lee to issue tighter statewide restrictions, endorsed Nashville’s plan.

“I’m very, very impressed,” he said.

Lee, who announced businesses in 89 of the state’s 95 counties could reopen starting as soon as Monday, has yet to release a reopening plan.

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Nashville Leaders Detail Plan to Reopen - Nashville Scene
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