Whereas, COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel coronavirus, previously unknown in humans, and causes upper-respiratory tract illnesses that can range from mild to severe, spread quickly, and may cause death, particularly in older adults and persons with certain medical conditions; and,
Whereas, as of May 14, 2021, Nashville and Davidson County had seen a total of 98,771 cases and 914 fatalities from this virus; and,
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on May 13, 2021 that fully vaccinated people did not need to wear masks in most instances; and,
Whereas, Davidson County has achieved full vaccination for 36.5 percent of its total population, with 43.5 percent of the total population having received at least one dose with the substantial protection afforded thereby; and,
Whereas, Vaccination coverage for those over 75 years old is nearly 80 percent; for those between 65-74 it is nearly 77 percent; and for those between 55-64 it is nearly 61 percent, substantial coverage for the most vulnerable age groups; and,
Whereas, Currently there is no standardized way to ensure on a country-wide basis the veracity of self-professed vaccination, making any effort to enforce mandatory mask wearing by unvaccinated individuals impractical.
Now, therefore, be it ordered by the Interim Chief Medical Director of Health for Nashville and Davidson County, that Amended and Restated Order 8 issued on April 9, 2021 is hereby rescinded and no longer in effect.
This Order is hereby issued and effective at noon CDT on May 14, 2021.
Gill C. Wright, III, MD, FAAFP, MMM
Interim Chief Medical Director