COVID-19 Update From Mayor John Cooper
Mayor John Cooper announced in April 2021, that beginning May 14, 2021, all COVID-19 capacity limitations in Nashville will be lifted. This step in reopening marked six weeks since the COVID-19 vaccine became available to all adults in Nashville. For the latest updates from Mayor Cooper and Metro’s coordinated response, visit COVID19.Nashville.gov.
Update from the Metro Public Health Department
On May 13, 2021, the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced that the indoor mask order would expire on May 14, 2021. MPHD strongly recommends that masks be worn indoors in all public spaces where people are in close quarters for more than a few minutes, regardless of vaccination status, as also recommended by the CDC in light of the delta variant of COVID-19.
MDHA Update
In alignment with the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in Davidson County and the guidance set forth by MPHD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all MDHA offices reopened to the public May 14, 2021. In addition, community rooms, playgrounds and basketball courts have reopened at MDHA properties.
As recommended by the CDC regarding areas of substantial or high transmission of COVID-19, wearing a face mask or covering is required by staff, residents and guests when inside all public areas of MDHA buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations
MPHD continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination, as well as testing, when individuals are symptomatic, think they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or were in a high-risk setting. Free COVID-19 testing and vaccination are available through MPHD at two Drive-Thru Testing & Vaccine Clinics from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday:
- Former Kmart at 2491 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217
- 350 28th Ave. N., Nashville, TN, 37209
The Drive-Thru Testing & Vaccine Clinics offer free PCR tests and both the two-dose Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines for those 18 and older. Services are free, and no appointment is needed.
MPHD also offers multiple COVID-19 vaccination and testing pop-up events in various locations in Davidson County throughout the week. Click here for a calendar of community vaccination and testing events, or visit MPHD’s Facebook or Instagram.
Homebound Nashville residents may request an appointment through MPHD for a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and can be made by calling 615-862-7777 or by emailing Homebound.Vaccination@nashville.gov. When emailing, please include name, address, email address, age and whether there is a home health agency affiliation. MPHD will follow up with a confirmed appointment time. A choice of the two-dose Pfizer or single-dose Johnson & Johnson will be available.
Food Assistance, Financial Assistance and Other Resources
- The Metropolitan Action Commission of Nashville and Davidson County’s Housing, Opportunity, Partnership and Employment (HOPE) program is now accepting applications from renters impacted by COVID-19 who need assistance catching up on past-due payments that are up to 12 months late at hope.nashville.gov. Those who have questions or need assistance applying may call 615-862-7368 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday to speak with a representative. MDHA residents may also contact their leasing office for assistance with their application.
- If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, the United Way of Greater Nashville COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to help you connect with the assistance you need. For a list of nonprofits and partners that are helping with financial assistance, food assistance, mental health and more click here. Make sure to check back often, as the list is updated regularly as more community resources become available.
- If you or someone you know is in need of food, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s FIND FOOD tool is a valuable resource for finding a food distribution site close to you. To find a food bank near you, click here. You can also email info@secondharvestmidtn.org with any additional questions.
- For the 2021-22 school year, all Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) student meals are free of cost. Click here for more information about MNPS Nutrition Services.
- COVID Help Nashville connects individuals with a volunteer who is able to run errands for those who are worried or unable to leave their homes. The volunteer will pick up groceries or medications and drop them off with no contact. The delivery is free but those utilizing the service are responsible for payment of their groceries or other items. To receive assistance, please email COVIDHelpNashville@gmail.com or call 615-447-8260.
- The IRS issued the most recent advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments on Sept. 15, and will do so again on Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15. Each payment will be up to $300 per child under age 6 and up to $250 per child ages 6 through 17. Families receiving monthly CTC payments can update their direct deposit information using the IRS CTC Update Portal, which is available along with more information by clicking here.
- If you need to file for unemployment, visit jobs4tn.gov and click on Unemployment Benefits, then File a Claim.
- Persons in crisis should call the Metro Mobile Crisis line at 615-726-0125, or the Metro Crisis Center at 615-244-7444, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). If the crisis is life threatening, dial 911.
