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A Message from Mayor Stimpson - May 26

May 26th, 2020

Posted in: MayorCOVID-19

Good evening,

 

It is 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, and I am writing to give you an update on the City of Mobile’s efforts regarding COVID-19.

 

As of tonight, there are 2,054 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mobile County, out of 19,584 total tested. There are 112 deaths attributed to the virus. 

 

We continue to see an increase in the number of confirmed cases in Mobile, a sure indication that the disease is still actively spreading within our community. In fact, the highest number of cases we’ve seen in any single week was recorded during the week ending Saturday, May 23.

The biggest reason for this increase? Simple: We are testing more people.  If you conduct more tests, it’s natural that you’ll find more people with COVID-19. Many of them experience no symptoms and fewer still require hospitalization.

 

Those of us above the age of 65, and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or obesity, remain at highest risk. While it is important that all of us continue to follow the recommended guidelines to avoid infection, it is particularly important for those of us in the higher-risk categories.

 

These proven steps will keep you safe: Keep your hands clean. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others when outside your household. Wear a mask in public settings. We’ve come too far, and sacrificed too much to lose any more to this terrible disease, and each of us has the power to prevent it from spreading.

 

If there’s a silver lining in the data, it’s that our total infection rate has dropped significantly in the past two weeks. Mobile County has tested 8,082 in the past 14 days, with 547 confirmed cases in that time. That means our positive rate is 6.7 percent over the last two weeks, compared to 10.5 percent overall. 

 

This is an encouraging trend because it follows the gradual steps we have taken to re-open our economy. We must be mindful of the devastating financial toll that COVID-19 is having on our families.

 

Thousands of people have lost their jobs, and along with them their access to health insurance. Thousands of our citizens are hurting as they struggle to pay bills, buy food or medicine and take care of their loved ones.

 

We each have a personal responsibility to take care of our health, and as leaders we have an added responsibility to help our working citizens earn a paycheck. Our economy was the envy of Alabama prior to the pandemic, and we are committed to getting our engine roaring again as quickly and as safely as possible.

 

I want to close with a special recognition tonight.

 

Today, we honored four Mobile citizens with special Life Saver Awards presented by the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. 

 

Ronald Godwin, DeMarcus Battles, Harold Sykes and Quinn Parrish helped rescue residents of Serenity Apartments caught in a raging fire at the 2-story building last Wednesday, risking their own health and safety to help others. 

 

Without any training, protective gear, or duty to act, these good-natured, brave-hearted civilians threw themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of more than 16 families, including small children, residing in the burning building. 

 

The fire was a tragedy for those residents who lost their homes and their belongings. However, thanks to the bravery of these four Mobilians, no lives were lost. 

 

Tonight, I’m grateful for ordinary citizens who step up to help others in a time of need.  

 

Tonight, I’m grateful for the heroes among us..

 

Sincerely,

 

Sandy