What to know about Phase One and the plan to reopen Nashville: Restaurant rules, what can happen next

Natalie Neysa Alund
Nashville Tennessean

Phase one of the road map for reopening Nashville began Monday.

There are a lot of questions about the topic, so we broke down some of the biggest questions first. This page will be updated as Music City begins to move through its four planned phases of reopening, and as additional information is provided from Mayor John Cooper's office.

If you are going to venture out, make sure you check our guide on what to expect. But for now, here are the key basics to keep in mind if you must leave home starting today.

Phase one: It started May 11

Many businesses in Nashville reopened Monday under Phase One of the city's reopening plan.

For 89 of Tennessee's counties, certain businesses reopened on April 27.

In addition to Davidson County, where Nashville is the county seat, Shelby, Madison, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan counties all operate their own health departments and have planned their own respective reopen strategies. 

Can I go shopping now?

Yes.

Many retail stores and commercial businesses are now open at 50% capacity.

Employees must be screened daily and wear masks. Some stores may also require customers to wear masks.

Stores with elevators will severely limit the number of people who can ride at once. 

Officials have encouraged stores to promote one-way aisles, similar to what is already being used in many local grocery stores. These aisles prevent customers from crossing paths in a face-to-face manner that increases exposure and can potentially spread the virus. Stores may open separate entrances and exits for similar reasons.

MORE INFO:  Read Nashville's guidance for retail stores reopening

What about dine-in restaurants?

Restaurants and bars serving food may open dine-in service at 50% capacity. 

Don't be surprised if you see long lines outside those businesses, and remember to stay six-feet apart while waiting for your table.

The same rules go for these establishments as retail stores: Employees must be screened daily and wear masks and some businesses may require customers to wear masks.

Some restaurants — including Martin’s Bar-B-que, Otaku Ramen and Slim & Husky’s — have said they don’t plan to reopen their dining halls today because they aren’t convinced it will be safe or profitable. Currently, there's no full list of which restaurants will open. If in doubt, call ahead.

As an option, delivery and take-out remain available at a majority of restaurants.

KEEPING DOORS SHUT:Many Nashville restaurants to stay closed despite green light from the mayor

A sign lets customers know that only half of the seating can be used. 
Puckett’s opened on Monday at 50% capacity in Williamson County. While restaurants in 89 Tennessee counties are being allowed to reopen on Monday, those in six of the state’s largest counties are making decisions on their own in Franklin, Tenn. Monday, April 27, 2020.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes.

All residents should wear masks or face coverings (including bandannas) at all times when leaving home.

Make sure the mask covers your face and nose and when you get home, immediately wash it to prevent potential spread of the virus in the event you are exposed.

CORONAVIRUS:Nashville restaurants and stores can reopen on Monday. This is what you should expect.

What about high-risk individuals?

Residents who are age 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions should remain at home. 

That includes anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and is quarantined. 

Those with coronavirus who violate that order can face legal action including arrest.

Does this mean the end of social distancing?

No, and don't plan on that changing any time soon.

Stay six feet apart at all times.

Plan to keep the same social distancing guidelines in place even beyond and into the next few weeks.

Can I go back to work?

Yes.

But those who have the ability to work from home should continue to do so.

How many people can congregate?

No gatherings of more than 10 people.

That includes indoors, outdoors (meaning at parks, trails, while camping, etc.) and at places of worship.

What remains closed for now?

  • Bars
  • Gyms
  • Nail salons
  • Hair salons
  • Barbershops
  • Sports venues

Phase Two: When can the plan move forward?

No formal date is set yet for Phase Two.

But it's possible it could come in effect after 14 days of improvements during the initial phase and would bring back the following, with the previous requirements still in place:

  • Wear masks in public.
  • All elective outpatient and inpatient healthcare activities may proceed.
  • Salons and tattoo businesses by appointments only, no walk-ins. Limit capacity to 10 people.
  • Small gatherings of 50 or fewer people.
  • Schools closed
  • Playgrounds and basketball courts will reopen. 
  • Restaurants and retail businesses may increase to 75% capacity but bar areas will still have to remain closed.
  • Those age 65 and up will still be advised to stay home, along with everyone still encouraged to work from home. 

Phase Three: What else will open?

If there is no back sliding in COVID-19 cases and other metrics monitored by officials, more places will open, including bars and venues such as museums tours and movie theaters — but at half capacity.

The third phase will also include:

  • Restaurants and other commercial businesses may open at full capacity while maintaining physical distancing. 
  • Bars areas at restaurants may open at half capacity and live music will be permitted
  • Gyms and personal hygiene businesses may reopen but with strict cleaning requirements.
  • Gatherings of 100 or fewer people will be allowed. 
  • Non-residential K-12 school will reopen. 

Phase Four: The final stage

The fourth phase will lift most restrictions while those 65 and up will still be encouraged to stay at home. People are still asked to work from home but it is optional.

In addition:

  • The use of face coverings will be optional. 
  • Bars and entertainment venues can open at full capacity with cleaning and daily screening of employees still in place. 
  • Sports and live performance venues will reopen for more than 100 people. 

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.