Glenn Stephens

COVID-19 Cases in Alabama Jump to 386, Up by More Than 100 Today

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama jumped by 103 today, totaling 386. The Alabama Department of Public Health's updated count this morning was 283, but the total when the figures were posted this afternoon was 386. The biggest increase was in Jefferson County, where the total rose from 99 earlier in the day to 129 in the later count. Shelby County reported 42 cases, up by six today. There were cases in 41 of Alabama's 67 counties. Read more.

Websites Offer Details on COVID-19 Cases, Testing

Public health agencies in Alabama are offering websites to provide a wide range of information about COVID-19 cases, where they are occurring and how to get tested. The sites are updated twice daily as the number of cases increase. The Jefferson County Health Department's coronavirus site offers information ranging from a breakdown of cases by ZIP code to tips on coping with the disease, sources of various types of information and listings of business closings. Read more.

Coronavirus Puts Focus on Preppers

Christopher Price is busily moving supplies from one shelf to another in anticipation of more customers coming through the door of his shop.  Price opened Prepper Depot and Military Surplus in late 2018, in what looks like an old convenience store on Highway 280, just south of Childersburg.  But now, instead of snacks and drinks, military surplus and prepper supplies cover just about every available space.  At the counter, where Price usually holds court, there are a few items for display only, including a rusty 19th-century French rapier he bought online. “Preppers in general, just tend to prepare for tornadoes, storms, electricity being out. Your vast majority of preppers are not prepping for end of times,” he says. Price says his shoppers are looking for things like wool blankets, sleeping bags, canteens and food with a 25-year shelf life. But with the recent pandemic, Price says he’s been adding coronavirus supplies to his inventory as well. Read more.

Alabamians Encouraged to Give Blood

It’s safe to donate blood – and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, donation centers say blood supplies are needed statewide.  A national shortage of blood supply is expected as concerns about the coronavirus keep people from donating. In Alabama, people are urged to donate.  “The blood supply could dip to dangerously low levels in the next few weeks if donations don’t increase,” said Bob Shepard, public relations manager of health and medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Read more.

Number of COVID-19 Cases in Alabama Stands at 283

The Alabama Department of Public Health's tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state rose this morning to 283, up from 242 on Tuesday. Jefferson County accounted for 99  cases, and Shelby County had 36. The disease was reported from 28 of Alabama's 67 counties. The department said 2,818 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Alabama. Read more.

World Awaits Results of COVID-19 Drug Treatment Developed at UAB Center

In the search for a drug treatment for COVID-19, prime interest has centered on remdesivir, a compound produced by Gilead Sciences that has its roots in a National Institutes of Health-funded center based at UAB. Demand for the therapy has been so high – even before proof of the drug’s effectiveness has emerged from clinical trials – that Gilead officials on Sunday halted further access to individual patients requesting it under the FDA’s “compassionate use” status. UAB researcher Richard Whitley, who helped develop the drug and heads the Antiviral Drug Discovery and Development Center, said he understood that the pharmaceutical company would still grant use of remdesivir through physician request even outside of a clinical trial. Read more.

A Q&A with UAB antiviral researchers.

UAB Researchers Answer Questions About Antiviral Work

Richard Whitley, MD, director, and Stephanie Moore, PhD, associate director, of the Antiviral Drug Discovery and Development Center (AD3C) answer questions by Hank Black of BirminghamWatch about the University of Alabama at Birimingham's anti-viral research program. Read more.

Alabama’s COVID-19 Count Reaches 242, 118 in Jefferson and Shelby Counties

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama climbed today to 242, including 91 in Jefferson County and 27 in Shelby County. The Alabama Department of Public Health's afternoon update showed cases of COVID-19 confirmed in 26 counties. Since a report earlier in the day, Autauga was added to the list of counties where the disease was diagnosed, with one case there. Read more.

Number of Alabama COVID-19 Cases Climbs to 215

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama reached 215 today, with Jefferson and Shelby counties accouting for more than half. The Alabama Department of Public Health's morning update today showed cases of COVID-19 confirmed in 25 of the state's 67 counties , with 90 cases in Jefferson County and 24 in Shelby County. Read more.

Alabama COVID-19 Count: 196 Confirmed Cases, 86 in Jefferson County

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama rose today to 167, with Jefferson County accounting for 79 of those. The Alabama Department of Public Health's morning update showed Shelby, Lee and Madison counties at 17 cases each. Read more.