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ARE WE READY TO REOPEN? These Tennessee doctors say we’re not

RISING CASES:  Number of hospitalized patients is highest ever, Vanderbilt study says

GRAPPLING WITH CHANGES: More restaurants cited for violating COVID-19 health rules

Tuesday, June 23

36,303 cases reported in Tennessee, increase of 750

The Tennessee Department of Health announced there are at least 36,303 cases of the coronavirus in the state as of Tuesday afternoon, an increase of 750 in the last 24 hours.

So far 542 people have died, an increase of 11 since Monday.

At least 2,336 people have been hospitalized and 24,068 have recovered so far. 

Nashville: 76 new cases reported Tuesday

Metro Public Health Department officials announced Monday an increase of 76 confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours in Nashville/Davidson County, for a total of 8,267 local cases since the outbreak began.

The cases range in age from 1 month to 100 years.

Two new deaths were reported Tuesday: a 55-year old man and a 67-year old man, both with underlying health conditions.  

In total, 89 people in Davidson County have died after a confirmed case of COVID-19. Including both confirmed and probable cases, 92 deaths have been attributed to the virus.

So far, 6,183 individuals in Nashville have recovered from the virus.

Monday, June 22

Statewide cases reach 35,553

The Tennessee Department of Health announced there are at least 35,553 cases of the coronavirus in the state as of Monday afternoon, up from 35,102 on Sunday. 

So far 531 people have died.

At least 2,301 people have been hospitalized and 23,567 have recovered so far. 

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office inmate tests positive, 22 recovered

Another Davidson County Sheriff’s Office inmate has tested positive for COVID-19, according to sheriff’s spokeswoman Karla West.

So far, 22 inmates have recovered and the number of inmates on restriction is 103.

Four sheriff’s employees have active positive cases and 11 have recovered.

As of Monday, the inmate population stood at 1,126.

Eight more businesses cited for not complying with health orders

The Metro Public Health Department issued new citations to eight Nashville businesses for being out of compliance with coronavirus public health orders.

Hugh Atkins, director of Environmental Health Services for Metro Public Health, said officers responded to 310 complaints. Of them, 261 involved employees not wearing face masks.

Atkins said employees must wear masks completely over their nose and mouth.

Nashville slated to start Phase 3 of its reopening plan

Nashville is slated to start Phase 3 of reopening today. 

At 9:30 a.m., Mayor John Cooper will hold a news conference with public health officials to update information about the ongoing coronavirus disease monitoring and response strategy in Davidson County.

Nashville had been in Phase 2 of its “Roadmap for Reopening” since May 23.

Under Phase 3, bars and other “socially-driven” businesses such as clubs, karaoke bars, transportainment and live event venues may reopen at half capacity. 

Restaurants and retail stores must continue at 75% capacity, though initial details for under Phase 3 had looked to bring them to full capacity. Officials say the decision to stay at limited capacity came after evaluation and speaking with business owners that with proper social distancing, businesses could not operate at 100%. 

Bar areas at restaurants may open at 50% and there can be no parties of more than six people.

Salons, gyms and attraction sites such as museums, must stay at 50% capacity. Large entertainment and sports venues will remain closed. 

Gatherings are still recommended to be kept at 25 people or fewer.

► Learn more:What to know about Phase 3 in the plan to reopen Nashville

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