A Message from Mayor Stimpson April 28, 2020
Apr 28th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile's efforts regarding COVID-19.
As of tonight, there are 994 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, out of 6,863 total tests. There are 46 deaths attributed to the virus.
Today Governor Ivey released a new "Safer at Home" order which reopens parts of Alabama's economy. The order, which takes effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, marks a significant milestone in the journey toward recovery for our state.
Mobile, like the rest of Alabama, has been under a statewide "Stay at Home" order since April 4. The order placed tight restrictions on individuals and businesses as part of the effort to "flatten the curve" and slow the spread of Coronavirus.
While the disease is still a significant threat, Gov. Ivey and State Health Officer Scott Harris said they no longer believe that our hospitals will be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, and that the number of new cases is leveling off across the state.
Click here to read a copy of the new Safer at Home order.
Click here to read a summary of the new Safer at Home order.
The new order, which is set to expire May 15, rolls back many of the current restrictions. Chiefly, it allows businesses and retailers that were forced to close by the state to re-open, subject to a 50 percent occupancy rate.
This step will bring tremendous relief to many of our small businesses that have struggled to survive during the month of April. The order also allows "elective" medical procedures to resume, which will help our local hospitals and clinics.
Gov. Ivey did not change her order as it relates to restaurants, barber shops, beauty salons, gyms and entertainment venues, which must remain closed to patrons for the time being.
After meeting with many of our local barbers, beauticians and restaurant owners, I believe that they should be allowed to re-open under rigorous sanitation guidelines. We have asked the Governor to reconsider her order as it relates to those businesses, and we are hopeful that they will be able to resume work soon.
We do respect her decision and appreciate the difficult challenge her Administration faces as they work to lead our state through this crisis. While some may disagree with certain aspects of the order, we can all be sure that Gov. Ivey is doing what she believes is best for Alabama. She deserves our prayers and support at this pivotal time.
Beginning Thursday, the City of Mobile will cease enforcement of the curfew which has been in place since April 3. We are still encouraging citizens to stay home if possible, and to be aware that the state order still limits any gatherings to fewer than 10 people.
We must remember that COVID-19 is still spreading within our community. It would be wrong to assume that the battle is won. We must all continue to practice social distancing and follow good hygiene practices.
Our top priority remains keeping you safe from harm. We will continue to work closely with our hospitals and health experts, and we all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and use common sense.
We are all eager to return to our normal lives as soon as possible. Please continue to be smart, be safe and be good to your neighbors.
Sincerely,
Mayor Sandy Stimpson