Coronavirus makes Detroit re-establisht Water Supply

Detroit has a strict debt collection program, but it gave in to pressure in the face of the pandemic.

Washing your hands properly is the main method to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Detroit city administration decided to re-establish the water supply to residents who had their services cut because they did not pay their bills. The measure was taken to mitigate the risks of the new coronavirus pandemic.

Since 2014, at least 141,000 families have had water from their homes cut off due to a very strict debt collection program established in the city, according to data released by Bridge magazine.

Last year, more than 23,000 homes were suspended from service.

The decision to opt for a truce before debtors were made because of the urgency to fight the coronavirus. There is still no vaccine, and the most important prevention method at the moment is to wash your hands frequently, with soap. Detroit officials announced the move along with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“The state is working to cover the cost of restoring water for the first 30 days because it is the right thing to do to keep families safe and protect public health,” said Whitmer.

The suspension of the water supply had been the target of much criticism before the coronavirús, and the arrival of the pandemic intensified the tensions. According to activists, the program implemented by the government caused a major public health problem in the city.