NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the new coronavirus, in Davidson County has risen to 17 on Sunday.

The number is up four cases from Saturday. Metro Public Health Department officials said the patients range in age from 11 years old to 73 years old.

One patient is being treated at the hospital, but all others are self-isolating at home with mild and manageable symptoms.

Mayor Cooper announced Sunday afternoon the Health Department will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss a possible declaration of public health emergency in Davidson County.

In his statement, Cooper also called for bars on Lower Broadway and throughout the county to close until further notice. He also asked restaurants to limit seating to 50 percent of capacity, with a cap of 100 people, and restaurant bars to not allow standing.

Cooper said these actions come from practices exhibited in Chicago, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and other major cities.

"We are asking for these short-term actions based on recommendations of public health officials and health professionals and to protect the health of every person in our county and every visitor to our city. As a community we must come together and take care of one another, and that includes practicing social distancing that inhibits the spread of the virus."

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. President and CEO Butch Spyridon expressed full support of the mayor's decision.

"Any short-term mitigation to slow the spread of this virus is invaluable to our long-term recovery...We understand the hardship this may cause the thousands of frontline employees and hundreds of businesses, and we are working with local, state, and federal officials in an effort to provide direct relief as soon as possible."

Some bar owners have disagreed. In a response, Steve Smith, owner of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and other downtown establishments called Mayor Cooper's request "unconstitutional." Smith said while he appreciates the mayor's efforts to combat the virus, his properties will "remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Governor of Tennessee."

Our team will carry the Health Department's meeting live on air and on Facebook at 5 p.m.