coronavirus

Doug Jones: ‘We Don’t Want to Overrun This System Which is Already Under Stress.’

Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones likens the spread of coronavirus to a forest fire. “Only you can prevent this forest fire,” Jones says. “That’s how we need to approach this.” Jones says that means individuals should follow the advice of public health officials and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the disease. Health officials caution people not to go out unless necessary and wash hands frequently. Jones spoke with WBHM’s Andrew Yeager about coronavirus testing, the federal response, and its effect on Alabama’s upcoming runoff election. Read more.

AG: Governor Can Postpone March 31 Runoff

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.

Alabama COVID-19 Testing Rife with Delays and Uncertainty

Across Alabama, the demand for COVID-19 testing is growing, and labs are struggling to turn around test results quickly. Read more.

Restrictions Carry a Fiscal Risk as Well as a Physical One

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.

COVID-19 Cases in Alabama Rise to 39, 21 in Jefferson County

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.

The Pandemic Takes a Psychological Toll as Well as a Physical One

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.

Coronavirus Could Impact State Legislature, Budgets

State lawmakers are expecting the coronavirus, and attempts to stop its spread, to affect Alabama’s tax revenues and the 2021 budgets they’re drafting. “I think it could have a dramatic impact,” Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, said Monday afternoon. He’s chairman of the House General Fund budget committee. He said it could be several weeks to a month before the financial toll of closures and social distancing are known. State and federal officials have said states will be reacting to the coronavirus for at least six to eight weeks. “I think we’d need to wait as late as possible on the budgets to see how everything develops,” Clouse said.  Read more.

Shut It Down: Jefferson County Officials Close the Doors of Bars and Restaurants, Make Gatherings of 25 People or More Illegal

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.

‘Drastic Efforts’ in JeffCo Aim to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson announced a series of orders to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. At a press conference Monday evening, Wilson said the department is aware of 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, but that number is certain to be a “major under-representation.” 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. During this time, establishments can offer take-out and delivery and are “strongly encouraged” to offer online ordering and curbside pick-up. Hospital food service areas are exempt from this order. Also, all senior centers, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities must be closed to visitors. Read more.

Avoid These Myths About the Coronavirus

Desperate times call for desperate measures, the director of UAB’s Infectious Diseases said Monday in response to a question about various rumored remedies and treatments for the coronavirus that are being bandied about. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo said she has heard about supposed remedies ranging from gargling with Listerine to taking plant-based medicines. She warned that suggested ways to avoid or treat the virus that don’t come from the medical world “are probably not credible.” And there are many myths out there, such as statements that "everyone with COVID-19 dies." That's not true -- or even close to being true. Read more.

What’s the Name of the Virus Causing this Pandemic?

by Virginia MacDonald