A Message from Mayor Stimpson - March 27
Mar 27th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9 p.m. on Friday, March 27, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile’s efforts regarding COVID-19.
There are no ordinary days in the mayor’s office, much less ordinary weeks. But this week has been as tumultuous as any we have experienced.
We take heart in the progress we’ve made, and in the hope that our work to prepare for this threat will keep us safe from harm. I am inspired by our first responders, our health care workers, and by all who have come together to protect our community.
As of tonight, there were 23 confirmed cases in Mobile County. We know that number will increase in the coming days.
Today, we had our first death of an individual due to complications from COVID-19. We extend our prayers and sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones who are grieving tonight. Their loss is a sharp reminder of the very serious and deadly challenge we face together.
There can be no doubt that this pandemic is real, it is here, and we must follow the guidelines for prevention: Washing your hands, keeping a safe distance between us and staying home unless necessary.
Our goal is to stop the virus. That’s why testing is so important. We are working closely with Infirmary Health to stand up a drive-through testing site at their diagnostic clinic located at 831 Hillcrest Road.
The testing site is ready and will be open for business at 8 a.m. Monday. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath may schedule an appointment for testing by calling Infirmary Health at 251-435-1106.
We are also working with USA Health to stand up a drive-through test site at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. We expect it will be fully operational by Wednesday.
In another move to slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Ivey expanded restrictions on “non-essential” business statewide. Starting Saturday at 5 p.m. and running through April 17, all of these businesses must close down in Mobile and across the state.
A full list of these businesses may be viewed by clicking here: https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2020/03/Amended-Statewide-Social-Distancing-SHO-Order-3.27.2020-FINAL.pdf
We are working closely with the Governor’s office to implement these restrictions and we believe they are necessary to protect public health.
I want to close with a story that should give all us encouragement as we head into the weekend.
One week ago, Calagaz Printing, a Mobile print shop, was struggling with how to keep their business going through the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19.
Owner Joe Calagaz was searching for ways to keep his 17 employees on the payroll. He developed a “cleaning and cross training” plan to keep his folks working. Then, one of his team members read a story about a shortage of protective medical gear.
They rolled up their sleeves and created a prototype of a face shield that could be worn by health care workers. They showed it to our four local hospitals who immediately offered to buy as many as he could deliver.
In seven days, Calagaz switched from printing restaurant menus to manufacturing face shields. We visited Joe and his team this morning, as they were preparing to deliver 5,000 shields to our hospitals. And, they are ramping up to produce 5,000 per day going forward!
My hat is off to Joe and his team for thinking outside the box and working hard to make this happen. It was an innovative solution to a huge challenge, with products like these in demand across the country.
As a local, family-owned business, they are helping us turn the tide in the fight against Coronavirus and keeping their employees working, too.
Click here https://youtu.be/5Ye-PsgW1EE to see a brief video about my visit to Calagaz. It’s great American innovators like Joe Calagaz who will help us win the fight!
Thank you as always for your prayers and words of support. Working together, we will make it through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sandy Stimpson