NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- The City of Nashville will no longer share the names and addresses of COVID-19 patients with police, EMTs and other first responders.
The Metro Board of Health voted Thursday to suspend the controversial practice immediately. The Tennessean says the vote was led by board Vice Chair Tene Franklin who cited the current national debate on racial disparities as inspiration for the policy change.
The newspaper quotes Public Health Director Dr. Michael Caldwell saying he hopes the board will reconsider. Dr. Caldwell fears the decision will result in first responders contracting and then spreading the virus.
Opponents of the policy cited privacy concerns and the possibility that the practice could discourage some residents from seeking testing or medical care.
