Masks improve both physical and economic health in Nashville

Good news: Public health order number 8 issued by Michael C. Caldwell, MD, Metro Nashville Director of Health, on Sunday, June 28, has been interpreted not to apply when an individual is working out in a gym indoors. Since Dr. Caldwell was presented with a 48 hour deadline to prepare this order, all of which fell within a weekend, I can certainly understand if he left anything out.

This order requires facial coverings in most public places in Davidson County. I have published it on the Cloud Nine Higher Facebook page.

"Heavy physical exertion" and "outdoor ... recreation" would appear to be the closest exceptions written into the plan. It surprises me that, with all of the focus on health around the globe, gyms seem to be forced to close in some areas for prolonged periods of time. Gyms and fitness are crucial to the overall health of our population. Thankfully, Nashville has created a way for them to be open safely during the pandemic. And I know from personal experience that the YMCA is performing in an exemplary fashion with regard to COVID-19 safety protocol.

But our friends at The Tennessean, who enjoy blowing all local bad news out of proportion for their own financial good, have noticed something else associated with the adjustment to Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Nashville: Our medical leaders don't want to back us into Phase 2.

And there are good reasons for this that have been conveniently ignored by those who have advocated a longer shutdown in Nashville and elsewhere:

For starters, we really can ill afford to revert back to a lockdown or more restrictions. A cycle of "re-closing" and once again "reopening" could have a devastating effect on tourism, the economy, and our workforce. People are really eager to talk about the need for shutdowns but naturally don't want their own respective incomes and livelihoods shut down. A person's livelihood is a key part of his/her life. Taking it away does them no good from a standpoint of personal well being and strong mental health.

My guess is that, if a reversion back to an earlier phase of the Roadmap becomes necessary, it will be as specific as possible and tied to contact tracing which has been ongoing for some time with regard to positive cases of COVID-19 in Nashville. For instance, the honky tonk bars in town that I love to frequent and that health officials love to scout out for potential citation for violation of public health guidelines could be forced to close if positive cases are found to originate with them. I certainly hope that they stay on track and that they do not have to close again. Our officials, instead of strictly staying on the course of reopening with regard to the metrics of the virus, have shifted their approach as they learn more. This is wise.

Per Dr. Alex Jahangir, chair of the Coronavirus Task Force, the virus in Nashville has household spread and spread among people who know each other. In other words, the recent rise in cases is not directly related to reopening of businesses, including gyms, hair salons, and restaurants. 

Rather, it is related to people who are gathering with folks they know and letting their guard down with regard to social distancing, masks, and sanitation.

The worst of the rise in COVID-19 metrics in Tennessee and Nashville began on Memorial Day, a holiday where friends and family traditionally gather to celebrate the arrival of summer. 

Nashville has a some "safe" events planned in the coming weeks and more on tap for the fall: The drive-in concert at Nissan Stadium featuring Brad Paisley. Fireworks on the Fourth. The "Good to Go" tourism initiative that puts us in line to compete with other popular destinations in our region for a safe and fun vacation. The Academy of Country Music Awards this September (rescheduled from April in Las Vegas). The Presidential Debate at Belmont University. Anyone heard of this team called the Titans?

But to make all of this happen for everyone, we have to commit to staying open and moving forward safely. It is time to put selfishness aside and to work for the greater good. Our leaders have shown us the way to go. It is now up to us to wear our masks and to follow the directions.