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Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle hoping to reopen businesses first week of May

"I think we're all concerned. We're concerned about the spread of the virus, but we're also worried about the economy," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

"I think we're all concerned. We're concerned about the spread of the virus, but we're also worried about the economy," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

According to Mayor Battle, reopening the economy is something that's crucial for our community.

"There are many people in Huntsville and Madison County not working right now. It's a very fine line. You have to make sure your economy moves forward, but you also have to make sure you're safe," said Mayor Battle.

In less than two weeks, more businesses could be reopened in the Tennessee Valley.

"I think that we will see ourselves right around the first of May opening up," said Battle. "I think that first week of May is a good week." 

But with talks of reopening the economy comes concerns that we could see an increase in numbers again.

If you look at our numbers we peaked a while back. Our numbers have started to trend down. Now the question is: Will there be another spike when we open up the economy?" said Huntsville Hospital CEO, David Spillers.

Both Spillers and Mayor Battle said they know the dangers that come with reopening the economy.

"We have to walk into this knowing that as we start to get together more there will be more cases of COVID-19." said Mayor Battle.

"Inevitably people are gonna let their guard down. They're gonna have a party, they're going to go to the lake and get in a boat together without masks and we're gonna get a spike in cases. It's just gonna happen," said Spillers.

According to Spillers, even when businesses do reopen we will need to keep practicing social distancing in order to try and keep the numbers down.  

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