A Message from Mayor Stimpson - August 25
Aug 25th, 2020
Good Evening,
It is 8:30 pm on Tuesday, August 25 and I am writing to give you an update from the City of Mobile.
As of tonight, the Mobile County Health Department reports 11,770 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 35 patients since yesterday's report. To review the daily report click here.
I am encouraged by the downward trend of positive cases. We have seen a decrease in COVID positive patients, hospitalizations and COVID ICU patients. The graph below depicts the new cases per day from one of our local laboratories. This lab administers more than 40% of the City's testing.
Thank you to everyone who is working with us to reduce the spread of this virus.
As we think about what is occurring in Texas and Louisiana tonight, we felt that we should dedicate one more nightly newsletter to explaining the City's hurricane preparation. Prior to the weekend, Public Works made vital preparations to our City's infrastructure and facilities. Our first responders were briefed, equipped and on standby.
Communication is paramount in any response or threat, whether natural or manmade. Therefore, City leaders stayed in active contact with our local, state, and federal partners throughout the weekend to share information, align resources, and mitigate risks to our community. Dealing with the pandemic as part of hurricane preparation created another variable into so many formerly well laid plans. As many citizens enjoyed the weekend with family and friends, many others were on watch to ensure the City remained safe and ready.
The City of Mobile was prepared and ready for Tropical Storms Marco and Laura. Prior to the weekend, Public Works made vital preparations to our City's infrastructure and facilities. Our first responders were equipped and on standby. Communication is paramount in any response or threat, whether natural or manmade. City leaders stayed in active contact with our local, state, and federal partners throughout the weekend to share information, align resources, and mitigate risks to our community. As many enjoyed the weekend with family and friends, many others were on watch to ensure the City remained safe and ready.
Our Public Works Department consists of five departments that all played a part in securing our City; some of the precautions those departments took included:
* Public Services - All crews and personnel were on stand-by to respond to the incoming storms. In particular, the Urban Forestry team was prepared to respond to any downed trees and our Sanitation Department was prepared to pick up debris and trash.
* Parks and Recreation - In coordination with the Red Cross, the Parks and Rec Department was on stand-by to provide Community Centers as shelters should they have been required.
* Engineering - All construction contractors were taking necessary precautions to ensure their job sites were secure and preparations were made to ensure engineers could assess any damages and relay those to the appropriate systems and personnel including MCEMA, ADEMA, or FEMA as required.
* Real Estate and Asset Management - Storm preparations included ensuring all major City facilities were properly secured, sandbags were ready to be filled, and preparations made for the removal of the floating dock at Cooper Riverside Park if required.
* Programs and Project Management - Delayed the start of the Broad St. Roundabout project by one week due to the incoming weather and its potential impact. Work will now begin 31 August and is expected to be complete in Feb 2021.
In closing, I urge to ask yourself, "what am I listening for?" If you listen for the good, you will always find it and if you listen for the bad, you will find it as well. Every day my hope is that you are listening for the good and the positive. As Mobilians, we are resilient and strong. If we can't find the silver lining, I know we will create one! Listening for the good can be the light and laughter someone needs to help them through a tough day. As Dr. Maya Angelou stated," Prepare yourself to be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud."
God Bless!