News Briefs

Nashville institutes mask mandate

Masks or face coverings must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces in Nashville — with some exceptions — as COVID-19 cases increased to record levels at the end of June.

Metro Health started enforcing the mandate on July 3.

Those not wearing a mask could face civil and criminal penalties up to a Class C Misdemeanor.

People and places exempt from the order are:

• Any child age 12 and younger

• Anyone who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering

• At outdoor public spaces where 6-foot social distancing is feasible

• During outdoor work or recreation, such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling or running, where 6-foot social distancing is feasible

• Within a motor vehicle if it is not being used for transportation services

• Within all educational institutions

• While in a place of worship

• While in a building or indoor space owned, managed or leased by the State of Tennessee or federal government

Williamson County Homeless Alliance gets 501c3 status

The Williamson County Homeless Alliance is now an official nonprofit. The group, led by Pastor Kevin Riggs, is working toward a permanent

homeless shelter in Williamson County and has led an emergency shelter program.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the alliance has raised funds to house people experiencing homelessness in a local hotel in order to allow them to properly socially distance.

More than 52 individuals experiencing homelessness have spent more than a month in a local hotel — the group raised $67,000 to aid in sheltering people.

COB releases #8cantwait policy advisory on force reduction practices

Nashville’s Community Oversight Board voted to issue a policy advisory report on use of force policy recommendations for the Metro Nashville Police Department.

The recommendations are based on the #8cantwait policy recommendations, which outlines eighth things cities can do to reduce police violence. The policies look specifically at banning choke holds and strangle holds, requiring de-escalation tactics and banning shooting at moving vehicles.

The board will submit the recommendations to MNPD leadership.

“#8cantwait is indispensable to repairing trust and promoting policing that is rooted in community engagement and respect,” says Board Chair Ashlee Davis. “This is just the beginning and the COB will continue to listen to the community and make itself available to the partnerships necessary to bring these policies to fruition.”