NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Health officials are concerned people will let their guard down this Labor Day weekend as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
During Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Alex Jahangir encouraged everyone to “remain vigilant” over the holiday weekend. If you go out, he asked everyone to wear a mask, to not gather in large groups and keep your distance from others.
“We have made significant progress over the past several weeks, so please let’s not lose the momentum that we’ve gained over this holiday,” he said.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when the weather looks great this weekend.
When Memorial Day and the Fourth of July came and went, COVID-19 cases spiked. Nationally, there have been 4 million more cumulative cases since Memorial Day, and that upward trend has been difficult to curve since.
Epidemiologists are worried that people have the impression that cases are declining, so they can behave differently than earlier in the pandemic. Mayor John Cooper says that's not what he wants Nashvillians to do.
"Whatever your plans may entail, please remember to wear a mask in public places, observe social distancing, and practice other healthy habits to keep yourself and others safe,” Cooper said.
Another concern is that many students are back on college campuses. Experts are asking that parents think through allowing their child to return home from college over Labor Day.
