A Message from Mayor Stimpson
Apr 6th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9 p.m. on Monday, April 6, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile's efforts regarding COVID-19.
As of tonight, there are 143 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, and 6 deaths attributed to the virus.
This week will be crucial in the fight to stop the spread of Coronavirus. We are doing all within our power to protect you, in addition to our first responders and health care workers.
On Friday, we introduced a "Stay Home" order that included a strict curfew after 10 p.m., and a limited curfew during daytime hours. Soon after, Gov. Ivey introduced a statewide order that directed citizens to stay home except to conduct a series of "essential activities."
Both of those orders, along with a list of Frequently Asked Questions, can be viewed on the City of Mobile's website by Clicking here.
Tomorrow, we will ask the Mobile City Council to approve an ordinance that will increase our enforcement power. The ordinance will enable the City to issue fines for violation of the curfew, increasing its effectiveness.
Today, we also took additional steps to strengthen our "big box" order, which limits the number of customers allowed inside a store at any given time.
We are limiting the biggest stores - Costco, Sam's Club, Target, Home Depot and Lowe's - to 20 percent of their fire capacity. Traditional grocery stores like Publix, Greer's and Winn-Dixie, among others, are limited to 40 percent.
This was done in collaboration with retailers in an effort to protect you as well as store employees who are filling such a vital role in our community during this pandemic. I visited several stores this morning to check on their progress and to thank these workers for the job they are doing.
Other developments today:
- USA Health has partnered with the City of Mobile to establish a drive-thru testing site at Ladd-Peebles Stadium to provide testing to the general public. Potential patients will be screened over the phone to determine if testing is needed. If needed, patients will be given an appointment. Call 1-888-872-2650 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays for a screening. No one will be admitted to the site for testing without an appointment and proper identification.
- The City is continuing to test its first responders. So far, out of more than 900 total that have been tested, a total of 37 first responders have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, using rapid serum blood tests. That total includes 13 Mobile firefighters and 24 police officers.
- Airbus today announced it is pausing production of A320 and A220 aircraft at its manufacturing facility in Mobile until April 29. There are no plans for layoffs or staff reductions in Mobile. In a show of support for our community, Airbus last week donated 20,000 face masks to protect local first responders and health workers. We are grateful for their contribution.
I continue to be inspired by our citizens who keep finding innovative ways to support our fight against Coronavirus. For the second consecutive Sunday, we joined hundreds of Mobilians as we got in our cars, drove to our local hospital parking lots and turned on our flashers in a show of support for hospital employees.
We owe thanks to Gov. Ivey for making it clear that these sort of "drive up" religious services are allowable under the state order, as long as participants stay in their cars and follow social distancing guidelines.
That's especially meaningful this week as we look forward to Easter Sunday. The organizers of Light It Up Mobile are planning another special event this Sunday. Details will be available on their Facebook page.
The headlines on the national news are grim, and all of us experience moments of anxiety as we read obituaries, troubling statistics and stories about overwhelmed hospitals. But within the darkness there are always beacons of light.
Our doctors, nurses and hospital workers are those beacons. They are on the front lines of this fight, and they need our appreciation right now more than ever. It is through their dedication, courage and professionalism that we will turn the tide in the fight against this invisible enemy. Please join me in praying for them tonight.
When we are united and our faith is strong, we can overcome any challenge.
Sincerely,
Mayor Sandy Stimpson