Masks Are Now Required in Public in Nashville

Dr. Michael Caldwell of the Metro Health Department has issued Public Health Order 8 as of Monday, June 29 — which means that masks are now required in indoor and outdoor public places in Nashville.

Masks are required for those walking into and out of public places — including restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Of course, in restaurants, they are not required while a diner is sitting at the table, eating or drinking. Some restaurants have taken stricter measures on this, though, like Lockeland Table, who requires diners to put on masks while the server is at the table.

There are, however, a number of exceptions to the mandate, including children 12 and younger, those who cannot “medically tolerate” a mask (though no proof is required saying so), and those engaged in outdoor work or recreation. Masks are not required in places of worship, or in buildings leased by the State of Tennessee or the federal government. Find a full list of exceptions to the mandate here.

For those looking for non-disposable investment piece mask, Nashville-based chainstitch embroidery business Ranger Stitch has made a number of cool masks posted on various chefs social media feeds. And even country music’s iconic designer Manuel has joined in creating embroidered and rhinestone-studded designer masks reflective of the style he’s been known for for decades.

The mask mandate came swiftly after a surge last week in COVID-19 cases. The Tennessee Department of Health reports 40, 170 active cases today statewide, with 8,675 of those in Davidson County.