Nashville Reverts To Modified Phase 2, July 4th Fireworks Show Canceled

Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced Thursday (July 2) that Davidson County is reverting to a modified version of Phase 2 beginning July 3, amid an uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases across the city. The Metro Health Department reported an increase of 608 cases within the past 24 hours, with a total of 10,756 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County.

Additionally, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp President/CEO Butch Spyridon announced that the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th fireworks show that had been planned for July 4 has been canceled.

Instead they plan to, “compile the best-of-the-best from previous years fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, and Tenille Townes.”

“After putting together a small July 4^th celebration that prioritized the health and safety of our city, we have decided to cancel the short fireworks show we had planned for downtown to broadcast on NewsChannel 5,” Spyridon said in a statement. “While we are disappointed, the significant increase in COVID cases this week made it clear that we needed to take any steps possible to discourage crowds from gathering. We hope everyone will have a safe July 4 and watch the one-hour TV special on NewsChannel5 at 9 p.m. on Saturday. We plan to compile the best-of-the-best from previous year’s fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’Mo’ and Tenille Townes.”

Under the guidelines for the reversion to a modified version of Phase 2, bars must remain closed for 14 days and restaurants may operate dine-in service at 1/2 capacity. Retail stores and commercial businesses may open at 3/4 capacity; employees must be screened daily and wear masks. There should be no gatherings over 25 people. Live entertainment is still permitted, though dance floors should remain closed.