A Message from Mayor Stimpson May 20, 2020
May 20th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile's efforts regarding COVID-19.
As of tonight, there are 1,789 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, out of 16,901 total tests. There are 105 deaths attributed to the virus.
Today we participated in a very productive meeting with a group of our local partners to discuss how we can make better use of data in the fight against Coronavirus.
The meeting included leaders from the "Unified Command," myself, Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood and Mobile County Health Officer Bert Eichold.
We also included executives from Synergy Labs of Mobile, as well as members of the City of Mobile's Innovation Team. We gained a clearer picture of how COVID data is collected and communicated between the hospitals, testing labs and public health officials.
Our goal is to improve the flow of accurate, useful information from the decision makers to the public. We still have a ways to go, but we are making progress every day and excellent collaboration is taking place to share the knowledge that we are gaining from this fight.
One thing that's become clear is that, at least for Mobile County, the overwhelming number of those who experience the most severe symptoms are over the age of 50. And, the overwhelming number of deaths from COVID-19 are among people over the age of 65.
If, like me, you're one of those Americans in a higher risk category, then it is incumbent on each of us to take responsibility for our own health. That means wearing a mask when in public, practicing social distancing and keeping your hands clean.
The fact is COVID-19 is deadly, but it is preventable. We have the power to keep from getting sick if we will use common sense and follow the recommended guidelines.
Amid all of the COVID-19 turmoil, the good work of the City is ongoing. We are working on plans to safely re-open many of our public facilities such as playgrounds, recreation centers and senior centers, as soon as we receive the "green light" to do so.
These facilities remain closed under the State of Alabama's current "Safer at Home" order, which expires at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. We expect that Gov. Ivey will make an announcement before then on whether to extend the order or relax some of its provisions.
Tomorrow I will participate in an online forum hosted by Mobile United and focused on the 2020 Census. The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. and more information is available by visiting the Mobile United event page on Facebook.
If you haven't already, please complete the Census because it will affect funding for schools, fire departments, roads and even health clinics. It's quick and easy can be completed in less than 10 minutes by clicking here.
Please continue to stay safe and remember to pray for each other and for our great City.
Sincerely,
Mayor Sandy Stimpson