Gadsden, AL - Today marks a month since I joined with leaders across our county to officially proclaim a Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time we have been taking every appropriate action to face this unprecedented and dangerous situation. Today, a month in, I am again asking you to not let up, to stay in the fight and to continue observing all of the current Public Health Orders and recommendations.

As of today, we have 87 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our county and 8 reported deaths. By continuing to stay home except for essential trips, practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands we can continue to flatten the curve and save lives. I do see some people continue to ignore the guidance to wear masks in public and to keep an appropriate distance from others, and I ask you to take these measures seriously to protect our entire community. 

I want to thank all of those who are on the front lines of this crisis. From those working in grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, public safety, garbage collection, and so many more essential jobs, to those staying at home, I want you to know that your hard work and commitment does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. 

While we are making progress, some models and information about the pandemic suggest that the worst may be ahead for our state and city, so I want to reaffirm to all of our residents that we are continuing to do everything we can to fight this pandemic. We are in constant contact with Public Health Officials to make sure that we are getting up to date information and make decisions to best protect everyone in our community. This crisis continues to change and develop, and our response will continue to evolve with the crisis. 

We are in this fight as a community, and as long we continue to work together and respond with compassion we will emerge stronger than ever. 

-Mayor Sherman Guyton

 ###