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Both Andalusia Health and Mizell Memorial on Thursday week joined the Alabama Hospital Association in calling for a statewide moment of silence to remember the more than 12,000 Alabamians lost from COVID-19.

Mayor Earl Johnson also called on Andalusians to join in the observance, set for Tuesday, Sept. 7, at noon.

As of Thursday afternoon, Alabama had lost 12,283 individuals to COVID-19, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. ADPH numbers show that 148 of those deaths were in Covington County.

Brian Springate, interim CEO of Andalusia Health, said, “We also want to remember their families, those who are still sick and all of our health care workers who are been caring for them. This disease has caused such devastation and heartbreak for so many Alabamians that we believe this is very much needed.  We hope you’ll join us in the moment of silence wherever you are that day and that you’ll pass along this request to your friends, family and coworkers and encourage them to participate as well.”

Mitchell Myers, Mizell Memorial Hospital’s chief clinical officer, said, “The resurgence of COVID-19 in our community continues to stretch already thin resources and personnel. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for each employee at Mizell. The sacrifices being made by employees indicates the true desire to serve others above self. Furthermore, the physical and emotional fatigue this has caused on hospital staff should not go unrecognized. Seeing the devastating effects COVID-19 has on individuals and their families can also impact healthcare employees with the same magnitude. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and compassionate staff.”

Mayor Johnson said, “Like communities all around the world, ours has suffered devastating losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Taking a moment to remember them, those who continue to fight, and those who have provided professional care for the past year and half is the least we can do to show them our support. I have no doubt Andalusia’s residents will join me in this effort.”