Democratic Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced on Thursday that he is restricting "all gatherings to eight people if you must gather," effective Monday, November 23.
Cooper previously limited gatherings in Nashville to 25 people.
"Record COVID hospitalizations are straining hospitals," Cooper said. "Restricting social contacts is critical to stopping the spread of COVID. ... Eight people is the limit whether you are at a restaurant or your backyard."
Cooper said "'The Rule of 8' needs to be our guide as we enter the holiday season."
"['The Rule of 8'] should prompt everyone to think with caution when inviting friends over for dinner or going to a baby shower or hosting a game," Cooper said. "It's critical we limit our social contacts to eight, or to one other household at most."
Gatherings of more than eight people must be approved by the Metro Public Health Department. Violaters of Cooper's order will be subject to a citation.
