NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro police issued 18 citations and arrested three people on Lower Broadway on Saturday for violating Davidson County's mask mandate.
The department enhanced its enforcement in the downtown area this weekend, including citing 20 people and arresting a man who refused to wear a mask on Friday.
The maskless crowds on Lower Broadway gained national attention in the last month, prompting Mayor John Cooper to take extra strides in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in that area.
This included shutting down alcohol sales at 10 p.m. every night and limiting alcohol consumption and sales in the Lower Broadway and Midtown areas.
During a press conference this past week, Mayor Cooper asked tourists to follow the rules or stay home.
"If you are willing to follow the rules and respect the health and dignity of those living and working in our community, you are welcome here," he said. "Otherwise, Nashville is not the place for you."
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See all our coronavirus coverage here
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
