Science

State Health Officer Talks Coronavirus Prep, Potential Surge. ‘We Really Need For People to Stay Home’

Alabama Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris spoke with Alabama Daily News on Saturday about the state’s response to the coronavirus, its expected peak and the recent state stay-home order. Harris is an infectious disease specialist who now finds himself leading Alabama’s efforts to combat the most deadly pandemic in a century. We spoke at length about his work over the past several weeks, how the Department of Public Health is dealing with the unique challenges of COVID-19 and what led to the recent decision to order Alabamians to stay home except for essential needs. Read the Q&A

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

231 Hospitalized in Alabama with COVID-19, Death Toll at 31

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported Sunday that 231 people were hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 diagnoses. Deaths in the state from the disease COVID-19 stood at 31, and authorities are investigating 14 other deaths of people who had been diagnosed with the virus. In total, the state has had 1,676 confirmed cases of the virus. Jefferson County accounted for 397 cases, with four deaths from the disease and five more involving people who were diagnosed with it. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

212 People Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported early Sunday morning that 212 people were hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 diagnoses. Deaths in the state from the disease COVID-19 stood at 26, and authorities are investigating 18 other deaths of people who had been diagnosed with the virus. In total, the state has had 1,633 confirmed cases of the virus. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

Getting Government Services During Pandemic Requires Patience, Persistence

Alabama residents who need to renew their driver’s license during the coronavirus shutdown will have to do it online. Teenagers who have waited 16 or more years to get their first license will have to wait longer. These are just two of the ways the growing pandemic is making it tougher for people to obtain government services. With state and local governments forced to weigh public health against public services, the scale sometimes tilts toward health. This is true for services ranging from automobile tag renewals to court trials to in-person access to public meetings. Read more.

by Scott Morris

Alabama’s COVID-19 Death Toll Up to 26

The Alabama Department of Public Health this morning raised the number of deaths in the state from COVID-19 to 26, up by five. Authorities are investigating 15 other deaths of people who had been diagnosed with the virus. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed today to 1,543, growing by more than 50% since Wednesday morning. One week ago, the state had 604 confirmed cases and three deaths. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

Distance Learning Begins Monday. What’s The Plan?

The buildings are closed, but Jefferson County Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin says the school district will be open for business Monday. “This is not going to be traditional school, but we remain steadfast in our mission,” Gonsoulin said in a video message. “Educating students will continue.” In response to the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Kay Ivey

by Mary Scott Hodgin, WBHM

Coronavirus Changing Pregnancy, Delivery for Alabama Women

In her third trimester, Veronica Wehby-Upchurch is having to adjust her maternity plans. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, what she thought the final weeks of her pregnancy and birthing plan would look like could be much different. “There's a lot that's unknown and it's scary to think about that and how it might affect you and a brand new baby,” Wehby-Upchurch, of Birmingham, said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it does not know if COVID-19 causes complications during pregnancy or how it will affect the baby’s health. Read more.

by Caroline Beck and Abby Driggers, Alabama Daily News

Downtown Testing Site Expands Hours

The downtown COVID-19 testing site has changed its hours and will now be open 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. seven days a week. Patients must call 205-975-1881 before going for a test and speak with a provider, who will determine whether they should be tested. The call center hours now are 7 a.m. to 7

by BirminghamWatch

“Pomp and Circumstance” Delayed for Another Day

Auburn University, the University of Alabama and many Birmingham-area colleges and universities have canceled spring commencement ceremonies and have decided to continue online courses during summer in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more.

by Virginia MacDonald

COVID-19 Cases Up 50% Since Wednesday

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama climbed today to 1,535, growing by more than 50% since Wednesday morning. One week ago, the state had 604 confirmed cases and three deaths. The state Department of Public Health reported this afternoon that there have been 21 confirmed deaths from the disease, and the state is investigating 17 other deaths of people who had been diagnosed with the virus. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch