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Due to the escalating coronavirus outbreak, the city of Detroit announced it will reconnect water for thousands of residents who had their water shut off for unpaid bills.

The “water restart plan” was announced Monday by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

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The announcement is being assisted by the state government as Whitmer announced there will be US$1.1 million in additional funding for water bill assistance.

It is estimated about 3,000 homes across Detroit are currently disconnected and will have water restarted by Detroit Water and Sewerage department.

The plan calls for the state to cover each customer’s water costs for the first 30 days, then after that each homeowner will be expected to pay $25 per month to retain their water service.

“While there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan, one of the best ways to combat the spread of this disease is by washing your hands thoroughly,” Whitmer said.

Photo by Joshua Lott / Getty Images

“That’s why the state is stepping up to cover the cost of water restoration for the first 30 days, because it’s the right thing to do to keep families safe and protect public health.”

The plan will remain in place as long as the danger of a virus outbreak continues, Duggan said.

“As long as COVID-19 remains a health concern, no Detroit resident should have concerns about whether their water service will be interrupted,” the mayor said.

dbattagello@postmedia.com