Category: Coronavirus
Major Events Affected by Coronavirus
Dozens of events have been canceled or postponed in cities and towns across Alabama because of the coronavirus.
Pandemic Upends Alabama Tourism Industry
Pandemic Upends Alabama Tourism Industry
Facing canceled events, closed venues, mounting revenue losses and growing layoffs, Alabama’s tourism and travel industry is digging in for what could become an extended battle with the coronavirus pandemic.
As in every segment of global society, the state’s hospitality industry is struggling with the uncertainties of how severely and how long the crisis will affect everyday life.
The stakes are obvious in a state that depends on the travel and tourism for 7.3 percent of its gross domestic product. The industry brought $15.5 billion to Alabama in 2018 and created an estimated 198,891 direct jobs, according to the Alabama Tourism Department’s latest annual report. Taxes paid by tourists saved each Alabama family $507. Read more.
Major Events Affected by Coronavirus.
Prisons Close Doors to Many Incoming Inmates Because of COVID-19
UPDATED — Stepping up its response to one of its employees’ testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, the Alabama Department of Corrections said Friday its prisons will not take in any “new inmates from county jails for the next 30 days.” Others subject to the moratorium include those who have violated terms of their parole or probation and those ordered back to prison by a court.
In a news release, the department said it would “continue to receive inmates with severe medical or mental health conditions, subject to the usual review process by the Department’s Office of Health Services.” It said it would screen those inmates to ensure they have no symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Read more.
Ivey Authorizes National Guard Activation, If Needed, as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 106
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.
UAB Hospital Opens Appointment-Only Test Site for COVID-19 Monday
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.
Signs of the Times
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.
Jefferson County Health Officer Revises List of Closures
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.
Use of Telehealth Is Growing in Alabama to Combat Spread of Coronovirus
Telehealth is playing growing role in helping to identify and treat people with the coronavirus, and to combat its spread across Alabama.
Healthcare providers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with those at least one other network serving portions of the state, are expanding the use of cell phones, computers and other devices to connect patients with physicians to screen for COVID-19 and other illnesses. In addition, Medicare and Blue Cross have expanded their coverage for telehealth services. Read more.
Virus Impact: Revenue Delays Tax Liabilities, Lawmaker Looks to Protect Business From COVID-19 Lawsuits
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.
First COVID- 19 Case in a Prison Reported
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.
