Science

Underlying Health Conditions + COVID-19 = Higher Risk of Death

More than half of Alabamians who have been confirmed as dying from COVID-19 also have had cardiovascular disease. Heart disease was the most common underlying health condition among those who have died from the disease, according to data the Alabama Department of Public Health released late Friday. Of the 60 people who were confirmed to have died from COVID-19, 31 also had heart disease. Diabetes was the second most common underlying health condition, with 24 deaths, followed by renal disease, 13, and lung disease, 12. Twenty-six of those who have died from COVID-19 had more than one underlying health condition. But 13 of those who are confirmed as having died from coronavirus had no underlying conditions at all, according to the ADPH data. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

Weather Safety Is Higher Priority Than Social Distancing, Health Officials Say

With severe weather in the forecast for much of Alabama this weekend, what’s more important: Taking shelter in the event of a tornado warning, or social distancing to fight spread of the coronavirus? The top priority should be protecting yourself and your family from a tornado, the state Department of Public Health said in a statement issued Saturday. The agency urged people to make plans in advance of severe weather. The National Weather Service has issued statements warning of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across central and north Alabama from Sunday afternoon until early Monday. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

COVID-19 Cases in Alabama at 3,611, 95 Deaths

The number of cases in Alabama from the novel coronavirus rose to 3,611 Monday, with 95 reported deaths, 61 of those confirmed through follow-up tests, according to the state Department of Public Health. Since March 13, 457 people have been hospitalized with the disease. Statewide, 20,605 people have been tested for the coronavirus. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

Community Foundation Announces First Grants From Its $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham on Friday announced the first round of grants through its COVID-19 Relief Fund and new grants through its Catalyst Fund. The foundation has committed to make more than $1 million in grants through the Relief Fund to nonprofit groups so they can address the immediate and basic needs of economically vulnerable populations in the five-county Birmingham area affected by COVID-19. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

Lyric Theatre’s Message to Birmingham

Lyric Theatre installed a message on its marquee encouraging people who have been in virtual lockdown because of the coronaviruus.

by Tom Gordon

Alabama Unemployment Rate on the Rise

More than 77,500 Alabamians filed initial unemployment claims last week, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Of the 77,515 total claims, 71,374 were related to the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the state’s unemployment rate went from 2.7% in February to 3.5% in March, according to information released by the Labor Department today. But the department warned that the new number doesn’t capture most of the damage done by the coronavirus. That information will be reflected in the April rate released next month. Read more. ">

by Will Whatley, Alabama Daily News

COVID-19 Cases in Alabama Rises to 2,921

Alabama has 79 reported deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Public Health, reported late Thursday. Of those, 58 have been officially attributed to the disease, with the remainder under investigation. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

Resumption of Parole Hearings Being Considered

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles is looking at how it might restart parole hearings after canceling them indefinitely three weeks ago in response to concerns about the new coronavirus. At least one lawmaker and criminal justice advocates think parole hearings need to continue in order to mitigate the possible outbreak of COVID-19 in prisons and they argue a health order from Gov. Kay Ivey would allow parole hearings to continue virtually. Read more.

by Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Prison Construction Proposal Deadline Extended, 2 Developers Remain

MONTGOMERY —The list of companies vying for the state’s $900 million contract to build three large prisons is down to two. Gov. Kay Ivey this week announced a two-week extension of the deadline for submitting responses to the state’s request for proposals. In that announcement, two companies were listed: Alabama Prison Transformation Partners and CoreCivic.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Volunteers Step Up to Face the Challenges of the Pandemic

Efforts in Birmingham to thwart the spread of COVID-19 stretch from volunteer organizations that have stitched more than 18,500 cloth face masks to tech companies and businesses using prototyping, fabrication and 3D printers to create face shields and ventilator adaptors, as well as prototypes for portable intensive care units. As Jack's restaurants CEO Todd Bartmess said, "In the South, we take care of each other." See some of the things organizations, companies, service groups and individuals are doing to help those affected by the pandemic. Read more.

by Virginia MacDonald