State agencies that interact regularly with the public are now having to navigate new ways of reaching them, including vulnerable populations such as seniors and children. Read more.
MONTGOMERY— State officials announced this week Alabama's January unemployment rate remained at a record low 2.7%, but an uptick is expected eventually as businesses and industries are affected by the coronavirus and efforts to slow its spread. To help those affected by business closures or slowdowns, the Alabama Department of Labor has modified existing rules to allow workers affected by COVID-19 to file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits. Read more.
Dr. Michael Saag, a physician in the UAB Division of Infectious Disease, has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus on a family visit in New York City. Read more.
The Birmingham City Council will vote next Tuesday on an ordinance that would provide emergency loans to certain small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic — but the program will need additional votes next week to take effect. The loan program would allocate nearly $1.2 million to revenue-generating small businesses affected by the novel coronavirus; individual businesses would be eligible for up to $25,000 in loans, with an anticipated average of $10,000 per business. The funding would come largely from the city’s general fund, which would contribute $1 million; the remaining $200,000 would be provided by the city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “Part of what we have to do is bridge small businesses into a new economic environment in what is really a turbulent time,” Dr. Josh Carpenter, the city’s director of innovation and opportunity, told the council Tuesday morning. Read more.
MONTGOMERY — Attorney General Steve Marshall on Tuesday said Gov. Kay Ivey has the authority to postpone the upcoming March 31 runoff elections under power granted to "protect the public health and safety" during a proclaimed state of emergency. Read more.
Across Alabama, the demand for COVID-19 testing is growing, and labs are struggling to turn around test results quickly. Read more.
The chief medical officer of Jefferson County expressed concern for the physical welfare of people as well as the fiscal welfare of businesses Monday when he gave his orders to combat the coronavirus. While saying that on-premise dining and drinking at bars, restaurants and breweries is to stop for one week, Dr. Mark E. Wilson made it clear that he doesn’t want those businesses to stop. Read more.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama today has risen to 36. The latest update from the Alabama Department of Public Health reports that Jefferson County now has 20 confirmed cases of the virus, Shelby County has four, Tuscaloosa has three, and Montgomery and Elmore each have two. Baldwin, Lee, Limestone, Madison and St. Clair counties have one confirmed case each. Read more.
Panic. Fear. Anxiety. Stress. If any of these words describe how you’re feeling these days, you’re not alone, judging by what people are saying and doing in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. From the locust-like razing of grocery store shelves; to the closing of schools, nursing homes and houses of worship; to the canceling of concerts, political primaries, and other large events; to the ever escalating public restrictions — you can’t meet in groups of 500, no – 250, no – 50, no, better make that 25, no – let’s make that 10, just to be safe — the virus seems to have infected daily life on a scale no one expected. There is some good-ish news if you’re experiencing uneasy feelings: it’s normal to feel that way. But it matters what you do with those feelings, said Joshua Klapow, a clinical psychologist with the UAB School of Public Health. Read more.
The chief medical officer of Jefferson County laid down the law this evening in the war against the coronavirus, ordering “drastic efforts” to avoid contact with people who might have the disease. Beginning Tuesday and until further notice, all gatherings of 25 people or more are prohibited countywide. All Jefferson County bars, breweries and restaurants are to prohibit in-person dining and drinking for one week. That policy will be reevaluated at that time. They may, however, offer delivery and curbside take-out. Also, all senior centers, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities must be closed to visitors. Dr. Mark E. Wilson said authorities are aware of 17 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Jefferson County but believe there are “many, many more.” Based on initial disease investigation, he said officials believe there is community spread of the virus within Jefferson County, not just spread from contact with people who have been out of the country. Across Alabama, the state Health Department is reporting 29 confirmed cases of the disease. Read more.
