The highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 has been spreading its wings rapidly across the United States, while the country is only just nearing full vaccination in 50% of its population.  

Efforts have been upped in every state to contain the spread of the virus and increase the vaccination rates.

However, as the rest of the country grapples with the rising COVID cases, Nashville hasn’t backed away from hosting massive events in public.

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As Nashville continues to race through big events, country music star Garth Brooks is expected to break a Nissan Stadium attendance record Saturday night. More than 70,000 fans are expected to pack the seats to see the Country Music Hall of Famer. 

Earlier on Friday, Luke Bryan performed at Bridgestone Arena while the 20th Annual Music City Brewer’s Festival is Saturday night. 

The events happen as new COVID-19 cases spike across Middle Tennessee.

Recently, owing to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rolled out new guidelines recommending masks for even fully-vaccinated individuals in outdoors and most indoor settings. 

However, Brooks on Friday, at his concert in Nissan Stadium, encouraged people to not sit in the stands in fear and do what they feel is best for them. 

“If you see somebody in a mask don’t look odd at them. If you’re seeing somebody not wearing a mask don’t look odd at them,” Brooks said, according to WSMV-TV reports. “We’re all coming out of this at our own speed.”

“All you can do is all you can do,” Brooks said. “I”m vaccinated. I would suggest you be but until we make it the law, that’s your choice.”

Meanwhile, Nashville leaders have said there are no plans to mandate any COVID related rules, the responsibility lies with the citizens to do what health leaders recommend will slow the spread of the virus – getting vaccinated and wearing a mask around others.