Mayor Woodfin On Reopening Alabama: 'Choose Data Over Dates'

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Monday marks the first day of Gov. Kay Ivey's amended "safer-at-home" order, wherein restaurants and small retail stores can now open back up, with limitations. Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin published an open letter to residents on Sunday, reminding them of the importance of staying safe and healthy.

Related Story: More Alabama Businesses To Open As Ivey Amends Order

"From the moment COVID-19 began to take hold of our community, I have attempted to solve three key issues – to keep people from dying, to help reduce community spread, and to prevent our local hospitals from being overburdened," Woodfin writes. "My approach has been to equally address the public health crisis and the economic crisis created from this pandemic."

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Woodfin said seeing so many businesses close — some permanently — has saddened him and he is eager to see Birmingham's business community rebound.

"That’s why as a city, we acted quickly to help stabilize small businesses through emergency loan funds," Woodfin says. "My team is working around the clock to figure out how we can best support businesses as they look to reopen."

The mayor also said that as the state’s amended order goes into effect, and more businesses open, people need to keep in mind that the coronavirus is still spreading throughout the city and state.

"But as you find it necessary to return to shopping, supporting small business and to the workplace, I want to remind you of the importance of staying safe and healthy," he says. "If you are in Birmingham, please continue to wear face coverings. Right now, it’s the law. Research has shown that many people are not showing any signs of COVID-19 but that they could be carriers. For those who are carriers or potential carriers, wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread. And that’s all I’m trying to do ‑ stop the spread of this deadly virus."

He adds, "If you don’t have to go out, continue to stay home. If you do have to go out, please practice social distancing, remember to wash your hands and remember to wear a face covering. I’ve said this before and I will continue to say this: we are all in this together. And if we can all join in agreement to do whatever we can to stay safe and healthy but to also find safe ways to support each other, let’s do it. Please remember to practice common sense during this ongoing crisis."

Woodfin also points out in his letter that COVID-19 cases rose 20 percent last week in the state. "When it comes to the reopening of Alabama, we must choose data over dates. Here’s the reality: the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in our state. In fact, they increased by 20 percent in Alabama last week."

His last plea is one of unity for the city:

"Let’s put politics aside and simply do what’s right to keep Birmingham healthy and safe," Woodfin says.

Read the full letter here.

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