The number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama today has risen to 39.

The latest update from the Alabama Department of Public Health reports that Jefferson County now has 21 confirmed cases of the virus, Shelby County has four, Tuscaloosa and Lee counties have three each, and Montgomery and Elmore each have two. Baldwin, Limestone, Madison and St. Clair counties have one confirmed case each.

Also today, the state health department ordered shutdowns in six counties in the greater Birmingham area similar to those the Jefferson County Health Department issued Monday. The state department told people in Shelby, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Blount counties, along with Jefferson County, to stop any gatherings of 25 people or more and to close bars, restaurants and nursing homes to outside traffic for one week. Restaurants still can operate with pick up and delivery service.

The rules enforce social distancing recommendations previously made by federal, state and local health departments.

Private schools, pre-schools and day care centers also are closing Wednesday and will be closed until April 6. Public schools already have closed.