FLINT, MI--Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced a city-wide curfew that begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 2.

Neeley said he’s stepping precautions “up a notch" in an April 1 community update. The curfew is in place between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and will be in effect for 30 days. Those who don’t abide by the curfew can be punished with a misdemeanor, which can result in 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

“This may not be popular among some of you, but we have to be proactive about this virus. We have been getting reports of people gathering at the parking lots of convenience stores,” Neeley said. “This is very serious. We need to curtail those places where the virus could be spread. That’s why we had to elevate (our response) to a curfew.”

Flint-based Dr. Lawrence Reynolds joined Neeley during the announcement. Reynolds is urging people to stay home.

Cases of coronavirus in Genesee County jumped from 185 Tuesday, March 31, to 249 Wednesday, while the case count rose in Saginaw County during the same time from 51 to 71.

“Most of these deaths have been of men over the age of 50. More than half of the people confirmed to have the disease didn’t require hospitalization."

The virus also claimed the life of another Genesee County resident, raising the death count from seven to eight.

64 new coronavirus cases in Genesee County, 17 newly confirmed in Saginaw County

“Remember, we’re living under new rules. Don’t go out unless it’s absolutely necessary. Don’t smoke and drink plenty of water. This curfew is so important,” Reynolds said.

Flint’s most vulnerable residents will have water delivered to them through a home-delivery program beginning next week, according to Neeley. People can sign up for the program by calling (810) 410-2020.

Nestlé Waters North America announced it would increase bottled water donations to Flint to support the program on Tuesday.

Flint gets additional bottled water donations amid coronavirus shutdown

The water will be distributed through a faith-based community delivery system in Flint. The system was created during the water crisis but ceased operations because of a lack of resources, Neeley said.

Residents can pick up bottled water from the city’s three donation sites. The bottled water is distributed through drive-up or curbside delivery and is provided by Nestlé.

The help sites are located at:

Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 North Ballenger Highway, on Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ashbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road, on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 6702 North Dort Highway, on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can also get water through WaterBox locations. A WaterBox is a portable water filtration system that fills gallons within minutes. These boxes are located at:

Latinx Technology and Community Center, 2101 Lewis Street, on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 930 East Myrtle Street, on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

First Trinity Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1221 Beach Street, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Read more here:

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