A Message from Mayor Stimpson - April 1
Apr 1st, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile’s efforts regarding COVID-19.
The health and safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and the basis for every decision we make.
As of tonight, there are 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, and two deaths attributed to the virus. The numbers confirm that the virus is spreading, so we are continuing to ramp up our efforts to limit the spread.
This morning I visited four “big box” stores to check their progress on limiting the number of customers inside. I was encouraged to see that they were all embracing the new guidelines we introduced in our Executive Order, which is effective at 7 a.m. Thursday.
In talking with store managers, they acknowledged that they have a responsibility to keep their customers and employees safe. Several of them were using apps to keep an exact count of the number of customers inside.
This is one of several significant steps we have introduced to limit social distancing and protect the public. When it comes to keeping you safe, all options are on the table including a "shelter at home" order, as many have suggested. We are prepared to do whatever it takes.
Today I also visited Ladd-Peebles Stadium to check on the status of a new drive-through testing site that will be operated by USA Health. Our team is providing full support to ensure that anyone who needs a test, gets a test.
The City is continuing to test all of our first responders - police, fire and emergency medical technicians. As of tonight, we have nine police officers and seven fire-rescue employees who have tested positive for having COVID-19 antibodies.
These employees are being quarantined at home so that additional tests can be completed to determine if they are positive for COVID-19.
We do this because it is important to take care of those who must take care of us. In addition, the data we collect is helping us get a clearer picture of the pandemic’s spread in our community.
A few more developments today:
- We continue to do all we can to support businesses during this crisis. Today I directed our team to allow free parking at all metered spaces downtown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing customers easy access to pick up meals.
- We received a positive report from the Mobile Police Department that crime is down 12 percent from this time a year ago, and total calls for service are down almost 10 percent for that same time period.
- Our city employees continue to find innovative ways to work through this crisis. Two of our firefighters constructed a UV-C light system to decontaminate fire stations and trucks. These lights kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. They typically sell for $6,000 - if they can be found. Our employees purchased the parts for under $1,500, built their own lights and they are already in use.
- We have implemented the Families First Coronavirus Response Act policy, which extends benefits for emergency paid sick leave and family medical leave to city employees. As a gesture of good will, we are sharing the policy with each of the municipalities in Mobile County to give them the benefit of our work.
- While most people think of today as April Fool’s Day, it is also National Census Day in America. You can participate in the Census online at www.my2020Census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020.
Remember that the most effective response to a pandemic like Coronavirus does not come from government, but from personal responsibility.
You can do your part by following the recommended guidelines:
- Wash your hands
- Practice social distancing
- Stay home if possible
If you’re like me, you’re also doing a lot of praying. I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and your prayers as we weather this storm together. One response I received was particularly meaningful, so I’d like to share it with you.
The young lady in the video below is Rachel Grace, daughter of Reid and Rebekah Loper of Daphne. When I listened to sweet Grace talk about fear of Coronavirus, my spirit was lifted because I know that God is with us, and we need not be afraid.
Click here to watch Grace's Message
Sincerely,
Sandy Stimpson