Coronavirus: Birmingham Mayor, Police Chief Thank Residents

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — In collective self-isolation to help blunt the spread of illness, residents might wonder if anyone out there is thinking of them as they shelter in place or appreciate their understated yet eloquent gesture of adhering to physical distancing provisions for the greater good.

Residents need wonder no more. Mayor Randall Woodfin and Police Chief Patrick D. Smith joined numerous members of the Birmingham Police Department executive staff, patrol, instructions and 911 dispatchers in recording a special video messsage — something of a Valentine's Day greeting to residents in April.

"The purpose of the message is to let residents know that we are thinking of them during this difficult time, and the Birmingham Police Department has their best interests in mind becasue we 'have their back,' " a city spokesperson explained in an email.

The message was shared on the police department's social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@bhampolice).

Evidence indicates the tactics of self-isolation are helping to mitigate illness — contributing to a flattening of the curve to stem the tide of respiratory illness. The COVID-19 virus that causes infection is spread via respiratory droplets emitted from coughing or sneezing.