COVID-19 mask restrictions are easing, but that won’t be applying to those traveling on airplanes, trains or buses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted some mask restrictions for segments of the population. The government agency said that fully vaccinated Americans can gather in small groups with vaccinated and unvaccinated people outside. Those who are unvaccinated need to wear masks even when meeting outdoors.
The CDC had been advising citizens to wear a mask and to remain six feet apart from each other for the past year.
Locally, the chair of the Board of Health, the director of Health and members of the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) epidemiology team made the decision to end the mask mandate as well.
“If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying six feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, including local business and workplace guidance,” stated MPHD in a release.
“MPHD continues to strongly recommend masks for those who are unvaccinated when in crowds, indoors, and when unable to socially distance, as also recommended by the CDC.”
However, the loosened mask restrictions currently do not apply to those traveling on airplanes, trains or buses. The Transportation Security Administration announced on April 30, that it will extend its mask requirement, through September 13. Children up to two years of age and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempt from the mask rule according to the Associated Press and violations can carry fines of up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.
TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 100 million Americans, roughly half the nation’s adults, have been fully immunized against COVID-19, according to reports. Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.
“Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe,” Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, told the AP.
The CDC’s loosening of the mask restrictions doesn’t apply to crowded outdoor events and concerts and the agency encourages everyone to keep wearing their masks in these situations as well.
‘Shot for a Beer, Shot for a Cup’ vaccination campaign launches in Nashville
The vaccination campaign, ‘Shot for a Beer, Shot for a Cup,’ has launched in Nashville. The campaign was created in partnership with Mayor John Cooper’s Hospitality Advisory Committee, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, and HospitalityTN.
Now through May 31, Davidson County residents can receive a free beer (to patrons 21+) or coffee drink by showing their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at participating businesses.
Businesses offering beer include:
Dino’s Restaurant
411 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37206
Downtown Sporting Club
411 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn. 37203
Fat Bottom Brewing Inc
800 44th Ave. N., Nashville, Tenn. 37209
Five Points Pizza
1012 Woodland St., Nashville, Tenn. 37206
4100 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37209
Hathorne.
4708 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37209
Little Fib
611 Commerce St., Nashville, Tenn. 37203
The Local Distro
614 Garfield St., Nashville, Tenn. 37208
Urban Juicer
1622 21st Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. 37212
Yazoo Brewing Company
900 River Bluff Dr., Madison, Tenn. 37115
Businesses offering coffee include:
8th & Roast
4104 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37209
2108 8th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. 37204
Bongo Java
2007 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, Tenn. 37212
107 S 11th St., Nashville, Tenn. 37206
Frothy Monkey
2509 12th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. 37204
235 5th Ave. N., Nashville, Tenn. 37219
1400 51st Ave. N., Nashville, Tenn. 37209
1701 Fatherland St., Nashville, Tenn. 37206
*Receive an 8 oz. drip coffee with purchase of an entrée. Monday–Friday, beginning May 17.
Puckett’s
500 Church St., Nashville, Tenn. 37219
*Free coffee, cobbler, appetizer, or breakfast biscuit with purchase.
The Local Distro
614 Garfield St., Nashville, Tenn. 37208
Certain conditions, including required purchase of another menu item, may apply at some participating locations. The Mayor’s Office reminds everyone to consume responsibly and to never drink and drive.
Find a list of participating businesses online at <www.asafenashville.org/shot-for-a-cup/>.
