Photo by Dan Starnes
200313_coronavirus
A worker helps test somebody for COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, at Assurance Health in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, on Friday, March 13.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin declared a state of emergency on March 16 for the City of Birmingham, urging the public to avoid gatherings of 25 or more people, according to a news release from the city.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but after multiple conversations with our public health experts, we are committed to continuing to strive to provide our residents with essential city services while still protecting the health and welfare of our employees,” Woodfin said today.
In addition, Woodfin announced that all city employees — except those who provide essential city services — will work from home beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17.
Essential city services include most employees in the Birmingham Police Department, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, Public Works and 911.
Birmingham City Hall will not be closed, but essential departments will be open and operate on a reduced crew. Individuals needing to obtain business licenses, permits or pay fees will be able to do so.
Council President William Parker said the Birmingham City Council will meet on Tuesday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. However, attendees are to practice social distancing during this meeting, which means that attendees will not sit side by side.
The city has established a text message system to keep residents informed of developments on COVID-19. Text the keyword BHMCOVID, one word, to 888-777.
There is also a Spanish language text system. To use it, text BHMCOVID19 to 888-777.
For coronavirus updates from the city, go to birminghamal.gov/coronavirus.
