NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – Mayor John Cooper says he is considering his options, including a possible mask mandate, as Nashville sees an increase in new COVID-19 cases.
The increase coincides with the reopening of the city and the state. But if there is an epicenter for where COVID-19 cases are most affected in Nashville, the Antioch area is.
“Southeast Nashville is a hotbed for COVID right now,” said Metro Councilwoman Sandra Sepúlveda, who represents the area. “We are struggling to find all possible solutions.”
Experts say many of the cases now stem from the virus spreading within the same home, or from small close gatherings between friends.
Still, Metro Councilwoman Sandra Sepúlveda says an ordinance requiring people to wear masks at all times outside can help curb this new spread.
Joy Styles, another Antioch-area Metro councilwoman, is proposing such an ordinance, but Gov. Bill Lee has said he doesn’t think it’s the best approach in the entire state.
Read more: Councilwoman Works to Reduce COVID-19 at Southeast Nashville Access Point
Other health officials have warned of a backlash if masks are required, asking how the city would enforce the law.
“There will always be a backlash, but my people are getting sick and I am not willing not to look at all the possible scenarios just because some people will be upset by that,” Sepúlveda said.
Especially, says Sepúlveda, when his neighbors are the worst hit.
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