HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
We’re all very anxious to see when we’ll be able to return to “normal”-- or the "new normal".
Officials have been communicating with Governor Ivey to give her the latest on Madison County’s fight against COVID-19 as Alabama’s “stay at home order” winds down. Leaders say they want to open our economy back up in the safest way possible.
Madison Mayor Paul Finley says, “Slow and measured … let’s get there in a way that makes sense.. Let’s continue to monitor each step."
Madison County leaders have sent reports to Governor Kay Ivey’s office on how our area can best move forward in this next phase. The state's “stay at home” order expires April 30th. But, officials have asked for additional time to process the governor's plans-- which should be released before then.
Mayor Finley says, “If she gives the information, arbitrarily, on the 28th-- give us three or four days to understand it, to learn it. Because so much of what we do is the consultative side of helping businesses understand what’s in the newest phases that come out.”
The CDC has announced concerns for another nation-wide spike in COVID-19 numbers this winter. Officials say they'll be prepared and hope testing and treatment options will have expanded by then.
David Spillers, CEO of Huntsville Hospital says, “If we can’t stop COVID, but if we can treat COVID, it would be a whole different issue when people are hospitalized. So, hopefully we’ll have drugs by then.”
As the countdown continues, local employers are gearing up to reopen business in case that’s a possibility. Some businesses have reached out to request all returning employees be tested for COVID-19. Officials say that’s just not possible right now. Spillers adds, “If everybody did that in Madison County, we would quickly run out of testing capacity.”
Companies like Redstone Arsenal and Toyota are making adjustments to welcome back workers while following new guidelines. Kim Ogle of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Madison County says during the press conference, “Social distancing, staggering start times, changes to how we interact with each other, even coming into the plant will look different.”
But, many other businesses and nonprofits are struggling. Giving Tuesday has been moved up this year to May 5th to meet the need.
The money goes to the Emergency Relief Fund and will benefit local non-profits. Toyota is kicking things off by giving $50,000. They’re encouraging you to “Take 5 to Give 5”. Ogle says, “Take five minutes to give any increment of five dollars to support the cause.”
To donate to the Emergency Relief Fund, click here.
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