A Message from Mayor Stimpson - April 2
Apr 2nd, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile’s efforts regarding COVID-19.
As of tonight, there are 61 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, and three deaths attributed to the virus.
Tonight I want to recognize a special group of people in our City. We often talk about our first responders and the vital role they play in keeping you safe.
For the City of Mobile, that’s police officers, fire-medics and sanitation workers, among others. But it’s also doctors, nurses, bus drivers, janitors and even food service workers, who have never been more important than they are right now.
They signed up for a tough job - and they deserve our appreciation for it. But so do the people behind them - their spouses, families and friends. Every day they send their loved ones into harms’ way to take care of us. We need to remember these people who are carrying such a heavy burden in this difficult time.
We continue to devote our full focus to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and doing all in our power to keep you safe. The enemy we face is invisible, it is fast-moving, and it is deadly. In every decision we make, we keep your safety as our top priority, and we do the best we can with the facts we have.
This morning we participated in a conference call with the mayors of the 10 largest cities in Alabama. We built these relationships during good times. Now, during a time of crisis, this network has become invaluable as we work together to lead our communities in the fight against this common enemy.
Today we were joined on the call by Governor Ivey, who briefed us on the latest information she is receiving at the state level and updated us on her action steps. All 10 mayors then had the opportunity to share feedback from the local level.
Much of the conversation was focused on whether or not to issue “Shelter-in-place” or “stay at home” orders, as have been introduced in many other cities and states. There are big disparities in how these orders are written and defined. And, as we have learned, there are big disparities in their effectiveness.
When it comes to keeping you safe, all options are on the table including a "stay at home" order. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, using every tool available to us.
As mayors, we are working together like never before to protect our citizens. We are listening to the experts, sharing ideas and resources. Yes, the stories on the news are scary. But together we are stronger than COVID-19 and together we will emerge from this crisis stronger than we were before.
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
I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and your prayers as we weather this storm together. Tonight I’d like to share a special pandemic prayer sent to me by my friend Andy Andrews.
Andy reminds us that it may seem like things are falling apart at times, but there is still much for which we can be grateful. Read it by clicking here: https://www.andyandrews.com/pandemic-a-prayer-of-perspective/
Sincerely,
Sandy Stimpson