The Big Q: Coronavirus In Alabama. What Do I Need To Know?

 ========= Old Image Removed =========Array
(
    [_wp_attached_file] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2020/03/Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook.jpg
        )

    [_wp_attachment_metadata] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:5:{s:5:"width";i:1200;s:6:"height";i:630;s:4:"file";s:42:"2020/03/Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook.jpg";s:5:"sizes";a:10:{s:9:"thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-140x140.jpg";s:5:"width";i:140;s:6:"height";i:140;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:6:"medium";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-336x176.jpg";s:5:"width";i:336;s:6:"height";i:176;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:12:"medium_large";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-768x403.jpg";s:5:"width";i:768;s:6:"height";i:403;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:5:"large";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-771x405.jpg";s:5:"width";i:771;s:6:"height";i:405;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:9:"wbhm-icon";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:40:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-80x80.jpg";s:5:"width";i:80;s:6:"height";i:80;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:13:"wbhm-featured";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-600x338.jpg";s:5:"width";i:600;s:6:"height";i:338;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:20:"wbhm-featured-square";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-300x300.jpg";s:5:"width";i:300;s:6:"height";i:300;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:18:"wbhm-featured-home";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-592x311.jpg";s:5:"width";i:592;s:6:"height";i:311;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:22:"wbhm-featured-carousel";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-470x247.jpg";s:5:"width";i:470;s:6:"height";i:247;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:14:"post-thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:42:"Big_Q_-_Coronavirus_-_Facebook-125x125.jpg";s:5:"width";i:125;s:6:"height";i:125;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}}s:10:"image_meta";a:12:{s:8:"aperture";s:1:"0";s:6:"credit";s:0:"";s:6:"camera";s:0:"";s:7:"caption";s:0:"";s:17:"created_timestamp";s:1:"0";s:9:"copyright";s:0:"";s:12:"focal_length";s:1:"0";s:3:"iso";s:1:"0";s:13:"shutter_speed";s:1:"0";s:5:"title";s:0:"";s:11:"orientation";s:1:"0";s:8:"keywords";a:0:{}}}
        )

)
1616966520 
1584115380

Alabama announced its first confirmed case of coronavirus Friday. Gov. Kay Ivey urged residents to remain calm.

“Alabamians are smart and savvy, and I know they will continue taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread to themselves or others,” she said in a statement. “We have taken a calm and collected approach in preparation for this first confirmed case, and we need to remember that calm and steady wins the race. Alabamians should not be fearful, but instead, use commonsense to watch out for themselves and others. We will remain engaged on the matter and continue prioritizing the health and wellbeing of all Alabamians.”

But for state residents, there are still many unknowns. People are fearful of what’s to come.

We cut through some of that fear and uncertainty with the most up-to-date information from the experts. Andrew Yeager hosts “The Big Q: Coronavirus and Alabama. What do I need to know?”

We discuss the latest on the disease, how to stay healthy, and what it means for schools and businesses in Alabama. Our guests take your questions.

Guests

Dr. Mark Wilson, health officer for Jefferson County
Dr. Mary McIntyre, chief medical officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health
Anthony C. Hood, PhD, UAB business professor
Dr. Richard deShazo, UAB professor of medicine

For more information about COVID-19, from testing to how to make homemade hand sanitizer, check out WBHM’s resource guide.

 

IVF could help her start the family she wants. Will Alabama’s personhood law derail it?

Despite a law meant to protect IVF in Alabama, patients and advocates worry the protections won’t hold — and warn of future attacks on reproductive rights.

Struggling Birmingham-Southern College says it will close at end of May

The College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close the longtime institution, officials announced in a news release. The announcement came after legislation, aimed at securing a taxpayer-backed loan for the 168-year-old private college, had recently stalled in the Alabama Statehouse.

What happens when a rural hospital shuts its doors? Look to Pickens County

Residents in the west Alabama county warn that the lack of emergency care can have deadly consequences. It's a fate that could befall a growing number of rural communities.

Q&A: A bad deal made Jackson’s water problems worse. It wasn’t the only Mississippi city harmed

Reporter Sarah Fowler talks about her investigation that found at least eight Mississippi cities were harmed by deals over faulty smart water meters.

What issues are driving you to the polls this year?

What issues are top of mind as you head to the polls this year? What do you want the candidates to be talking about?

Anti-DEI bill becomes law as lawmakers return for the second half of the session

Alabama lawmakers returned from spring break this week to take on several priorities for the Republican majority. Chief among them was a bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools, universities and government offices.

More Coronavirus Coverage