Amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has extended the city's cancellation of all public events from March 31st until April 30th, bringing the total number of canceled or postponed events to more than 300.

The new guidance will cancel or postpone performances at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater from Brantley Gilbert and the Avett Brothers on April 17th and April 24th respectively. The Tuscaloosa Mayor's Cup, scheduled for April 25th, will also be canceled or postponed.

During a press conference at City Hall Tuesday, Maddox acknowledged the measures are hard and will have deep consequences, but the result of those measure will be the saving of lives and reduction of sickness as the city, state and nation grapple with the spread of this pandemic.

Tuscaloosa will also enforce the following steps outlined by the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuesday morning:

  • All gatherings of 25 or more people are prohibited.
  • Bars, restaurants and breweries cannot serve food or drink on-site for the next seven days, effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday
  • All senior citizen activity centers are closed from March 18th until April 6th.
  • Beginning at the end of class Wednesdays, all private schools, preschools and childcare centers with 12 or more children must close until further notice.
  • Nursing home facilities can no longer take visitors, effective immediately.

Maddox also said the city is working closely with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to mitigate the effects these measures will have on local business, especially bars and restaurants. Maddox said he hopes to have a proposal in front of the city council in the next 10-14 days.

 

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