Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox announced Wednesday that the city will be under a curfew beginning Friday and lasting through April 3.
The curfew will last from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and there will be exemptions for those traveling to and from work or other essential tasks.
“Within a one-hour drive of city hall, one-third of the state’s coronavirus cases can be found in Jefferson County,” Maddox said. “Within Lee County, which closely mirrors Tuscaloosa County, we see some of the fastest-growing rates of COVID-19 cases in our state.”
Unless Tuscaloosa makes significant changes to ensure social distancing, by late April DCH Regional Medical Center could be overwhelmed from treating residents with the virus, Maddox said.
The city will be evaluating the effectiveness of the curfew while it is in effect, Maddox said.
“(The curfew’s goal) is to reduce social gathering, especially among young people in our community,” he said.
This may be the first of many steps enacted to fight the virus and ensure the community’s safety.
In addition, Maddox announced the water and sewer office will become drive-thru service only, permits will be given by appointment only and the city is limiting the amount of employees in city vehicles.
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