Birmingham Coronavirus: Plan To Help Businesses, Workers Revealed

BIRMINGHAM, AL—During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced plans to minimize the potential economic impacts associated with the spread of the coronavirus in Alabama. As of Wednesday morning, there were 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 23 in Jefferson County.

“I know many have looked at this as a public health crisis, and it is. But this public health crisis has also created a possible local economic crisis for our city as it relates to our small businesses, our small business owners and those hourly workers who work at these establishments," Mayor Woodfin said during the news conference.

This week, the Alabama Department of Public Health recommended restaurants and retailers limit patronage at any one time to 50 percent of the normally allowable capacity. Restaurants should maintain a six-foot distance between tables, health officials also warned.

"I know many of our small business owners and hourly workers are worried right now.
You face economic decisions at an anxious time in the city," the mayor said. "We’re committed to working with you and supporting you."

As part of the city's COVID-19 response and to limit the potential economic impact associated with the coronavirus, Woodfin announced during the news conference the creation of a BhamStrong Fund. According to the mayor, there is currently $1.2 million in the fund from the public sector to support small businesses.

"This is designed to provide zero interest for 180-day loans to small businesses to assist in preventing staff reductions and offset losses related to the coronavirus," Woodfin said.

According to Birmingham's Director of Economic Development Josh Carpenter, the city has nearly 6,000 small businesses that employ approximately 47,000 workers.

"We know that COVID-19 has put many of them under siege," Carpenter said.

During the news conference, Carpenter said the city is hoping to raise an additional $1.2 million to provide $2.4 million in potential loans to businesses with less than 50 employees.

"Our goal is to make sure we help businesses who were doing well before this crisis hit our community, to make sure they can be sustained and that they can keep workers employed and keep businesses moving forward," Carpenter said.

In the next several days, city officials said they will announce additional information about the special loan fund for small businesses as well as opportunities for workers who’ve lost their jobs.

Watch Wednesday's news conference below:

SEE ALSO:

• New Measures Taken To Reduce The Coronavirus In Alabama
• Coronavirus Study: How Many Adults Are At Higher Risk In Alabama
• Coronavirus Cases In Alabama Grow To 46

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Alabama. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.