Nashville's case numbers continue to stabilize as musicians and bartenders call for a move to Phase 3 so that they can get back to work. The additional $600/week in unemployment benefits has now ended, lending added urgency to the group's request. Congress remains at an impasse over compromise on federally subsidized unemployment benefits and other COVID relief elements while millions of Americans face eviction and growing desperation. (Side note, read the July 30 Tennessean article by Natalie Allison to learn why the state might have to forfeit $60 million in federal aid earmarked to help feed children in low-income families during the COVID-19 crisis).
At the state level, Governor Bill Lee has called a special session for next week to have lawmakers consider a number of issues, including liability protections for businesses and increased telehealth in the wake of the pandemic.
And, in case you missed it, a new report from Vanderbilt's Department of Health Policy shows a recent shift in COVID-19 cases from the large urban areas to Tennessee's rural counties. While new cases continue in Nashville and Memphis, the report highlights the aggressive spreading of the virus in more rural settings. See related information here.
Metro Nashville
More detailed data is available on the Metro Dashboard. Click here for details.
Masks are required in Nashville, and a number of other surrounding counties have also begun instituting mandatory mask regulations. Additionally, public health officials continue to ask (beg) residents to be vigilant in maintaining social distancing measures, as well as to go out as little as possible, wash hands frequently and stay home if ill. Metro police are authorized to issue civil citations to those who fail to comply with the mask mandate unless the individual has a specific exemption.
Tennessee State