Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday gave authorization for up to 100 National Guardsmen to be activated if needed in the battle against COVID-19. “While there is no immediate need for us to deploy our Guard, I have given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon to be on standby, should our first responders and health care providers need additional support,” Ivey said in the statement. Read more.
Starting Monday, UAB hospital, in partnership with the Jefferson County Department of Health, will offer appointment-only testing for COVID-19. Officials say the drive-thru testing center will be located at University Blvd and 22nd Street South, at a former Southern Research Institute site. Read more.
Bandit Patisserie and Steel City Pops in Homewood are two businesses trying to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. One will bring you pastry to the door, the other invites you in – though you still have to take your treats away. For a comprehensive view of BirminghamWatch's COVID-19 coverage, go to the coronavirus tag above.
The Jefferson County Health Department on Thursday ordered that all nonessential businesses and services be suspended, updating an ongoing list of closures in response to COVID-19.
As more businesses are ordered shut and workers laid off, state leaders say they’re looking to help establishments that lost customers because of the new coronavirus and protection for those still operating. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said that when lawmakers return to Montgomery, he’ll file a bill offering civil immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits. Orr said national and Alabama economies are being crushed by COVID-19 and businesses are closing to the public out of fear, concern or government mandate. Read more.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 has surfaced in the Department of Corrections, the department stated in a news release. The department said the person who tested positive was an administrative employee, not an inmate. Citing privacy and security reasons, the department did not disclose the individual’s name or workplace. “We will closely monitor inmate health at all facilities,” the department stated. “All individuals within the Department who have been in direct contact with the individual who tested positive are now in self-quarantine for a 14-day period." Read more.
Two cases of coronavirus have been positively diagnosed at two Jefferson County nursing homes. Alabama Nursing Home Association President Brandon Farmer today said the cases involve a resident at one home and a worker at the other. "Both are receiving the medical care they need and are isolated from others. We hope both will make a full recovery," Farmer said. Read more.
Alabama’s major car plants have been hit by coronavirus. Read more.
Dr. Michael Saag knows a thing or two about infectious diseases. He’s director of the Center for AIDS Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Right now, though, he’s a patient. Saag announced Tuesday that he’s tested positive for coronavirus. Saag said he was being vigilant by practicing social distancing, wiping down surfaces, washing his hands frequently and trying not to touch his face, but the coronavirus is so contagious he caught it anyway. His message to others? “Stay at home! Do not go out unless it’s essential,” Saag said. Read more.
MONTGOMERY— Alabama political campaigns that were set for primary runoff elections on March 31 have to now adjust their strategies after Gov. Kay Ivey moved the election date to July 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ivey on Wednesday said delaying the election was the best way to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus while also allowing people to exercise their right to vote. “The ability to hold free and fair elections is an inherent right as citizens of the United States and the great state of Alabama, but the safety and well-being of Alabama citizens is paramount,” Ivey said. The decision greatly changes the political landscape in an already heated campaign season. Read more.
