NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro police gave 494 verbal warnings to people throughout Davidson County who were not wearing masks in public on Wednesday, the mayor's office said.
Wednesday was the first day Metro police began enforcing the mask mandate.
Anyone who refuses to comply could face a $50 fine or misdemeanor citation. No citations were given out on Wednesday, the mayor's office said.
Dr. Michael Caldwell, director of the Metro Public Health Department, said while officers are instructed to issue citations to those not wearing masks the goal is simply to have everyone wear a face covering in public.
"We are not really looking to cite people, we want to assure compliance," Dr. Caldwell said. "Citations are that final piece to assure compliance if necessary, but the goal is compliance."
Additionally, officers handed out 79 masks to people in the homeless community on Wednesday.
