FLINT, Mich. (WWJ) -- A nightly curfew will be enforced across the city of Flint beginning Thursday, in a move to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As the coronavirus pandemic rages on in Michigan, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced Wednesday the city is instituting a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the next 30 days. The curfew will begin Thursday.
Those caught violating could be fined $500 or charged with a misdemeanor that carries penalties up to 30 days in jail.
"I know this may not be popular with some of you, and it presents a level of inconvenience, but we have to be proactive about the spread of this virus," Neeley said in a Facebook video Wednesday. "It is taking people's lives and we don't want to lose any lives here inside the city of Flint."
Residents will still be allowed to go out during the day, while abiding to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's statewide order to "stay home, stay safe." Travel for necessities, such as healthcare, groceries and other essentials is allowed, but all residents are urged to stay home amid the pandemic.
"The nation is embracing this virus in the best possible fashion, trying to be proactive and we must do so here in the city of Flint. We have to safeguard ourselves," he said.
Genesee County has seen 249 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths related to the virus. Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, a health advisor with the city, says 82 people in the county are currently hospitalized.
Statewide, health officials say more than 9,300 people have tested positive for the virus, while the death toll has surpassed 300.
Neeley also announced that elderly and others who are most vulnerable to the virus will be able to apply to have water delivered to their homes starting next week.
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