Here are Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s exact words, delivered at his July 2, 2020 press conference, beginning at 3:01 mark in the video of that press conference.
It’s worth noting the Nashville rate of confirmed cases did decline while bars and restaurants operated at 50 percent capacity in May. The Metro Parks facilities opened in phase three will remain open including dog parks, skate parks, basketball courts, and playgrounds. And recreational leagues and pools will still be permitted as outbreaks have not been traced back to these venues or activities.
Now, of course, we urge you to practice safe social distancing around swimming pools this weekend. Additionally, all bars in Davidson County known as limited-service restaurants that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales will close for a minimum of 14 days beginning tomorrow which is equal to one incubation cycle of the coronavirus.
Our public health investigators have found a record number of clusters originating from bars within the past week which affected employees, patrons, and musicians.
Multiple bars in the downtown and midtown neighborhoods have recently closed because of outbreaks among their staff and patrons. Every decision related to our phased economic re-opening has been made with unanimity among our public health experts including these announced this morning.
(emphasis added)
