BOB FREEMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHAIRMAN 56th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT DAVIDSON CO. DELEGATION 592 CORDELL HULL BLDG. COMMITTEES: NASHVILLE, TN 37243 CONSUMER & HUMAN (615) 741-0709 RESOURCES [email protected] House of Representatives EMPLOYEE AFFAIRS SUB DISTRICT ADDRESS: 1109B LIPSCOMB DRIVE HEALTH NASHVILLE, TN 37204 State of Tennessee FACILITIES, LICENSURE & REGULATIONS SUB NASHVILLE ETHICS June 26, 2020 As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Davidson County, and across Tennessee, it's time for local and state leaders to acknowledge the science behind the spread, and call for a mandatory use of facial coverings in public. As chair of the Davidson County delegation, I am deeply concerned about the impact caused by shutting down our economy, and the toll it took on communities as we worked to flatten the initial curve. While we made progress at the onset of the pandemic, we are seeing an exponentially higher number of cases today, and now is not the time to let down our guard. Today some individuals are adhering to health guidelines, while others are reverting back to pre-pandemic lifestyles, which is a main driver behind the spread. For years, businesses have had a policy of no shoes, no shirt, no service. Adding facial coverings to the list during a global pandemic would not be out of line with basic health guidelines. Today, the Davidson County delegation is calling on local and state leaders to take bold action to require facial coverings in businesses and public spaces where appropriate social distancing is not possible. The only way we will effectively manage this public health crisis is by working together responsibly and respecting the health and well-being of others. A mask is not a political statement, it is a simple way to protect yourself, your family and those around you. Respectfully, Bob Freeman Signing on without signature: Sen. Jeff Yarbro Rep. Bo Mitchell Rep. Darren Jernigan Rep. Harold Love, Jr. Rep. Jason Potts Rep. Jason Powell Rep. Bill Beck Rep. John Ray Clemmons Rep. Mike Stewart Rep. Vincent Dixie.