In an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus, Order #3 of the Metro Public Health Department, the ‘Safer at Home Order,’ has gone into effect for residents and businesses in Nashville and Davidson County. Order #3 was signed by Dr. Michael Caldwell, director of the Metropolitan Department of Public Health, and took effect March 23. Order #3 urges residents throughout Davidson County to stay home unless needed and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people for non-essential purposes.
Furthermore, all businesses not performing essential services have been ordered closed for 14 days (until April 6). A complete list of essential service categories and those businesses that are exempt from the order can be found at <www.asafenashville.org/updates/order-3-from-the-chief-medical-director-safer-at-home-order/>.
Residents and business owners who have questions about Order #3 may submit their inquiries at <hub.nashville.gov/s/request-type/a0ut0000000vfvjAAA/covid19-questions?language=en_US>.
“This new public health measure will further protect Nashville residents and support the work of Nashville’s healthcare providers by ‘flattening the curve’ of the coronavirus across Davidson County,” said the Mayor’s Office. “The ‘Safer at Home Order’ is reflective of a close partnership between Metro Government and local healthcare partners.”
Here’s what you can do:
- Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
- Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
- Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
- Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-through
- Care for or support a friend or family member
- Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others.
- Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
- Help someone to get necessary supplies
- Receive deliveries from any business which delivers
Here’s what you should not do:
- Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by the Safer at Home Order
- Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
- Maintain less than six feet of distance from others when you go out
- Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites.
As of press time, there were a total number of 253 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in Nashville/Davidson County. Of the confirmed cases, one patient has died from complications due to the Coronavirus. Four others remain hospitalized. 29 people have recovered from the virus. The remaining 219 cases are self-isolating at home and have mild and manageable symptoms.
