Health Care

Number Of COVID-19 Patients In Alabama Hospitals Falls To Less Than Half Its Peak

The number of people hospitalized in Alabama for COVID-19 has dropped to less than half the peak figure of more than a month ago.

UAB’s Director Of Infectious Diseases Warns Caution Around COVID-19 Vaccines In Trial

The director of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham said vaccines in phase three clinical trials have been fast-tracked and not much is known about the long term effects or success rates.

Can Alabama College Students Skip The Next Phase Of Coronavirus Testing? Maybe.

GuideSafe plans to roll out the next phases of testing at Alabama higher education institutions.

After Bipolar Diagnosis, French Became Her ‘Asylum From The Madness’

This Alabama woman struggled with mental illness and found solace in French. She recently recounted her story in an award-winning essay.

COVID-19 Totals Increase By 699 Cases And 29 Deaths In Thursday Report

Recent coronavirus numbers reflect a downward trend in the rate of infections over the past month.

COVID-19 Tracking App Available To The Public

All Alabama residents can now use the phone app GuideSafe, which anonymously tracks COVID-19 exposure.

College Entry Testing Shows Less Than 1% Of Students Have COVID-19

Preliminary numbers from a program to test college students returning to campus indicate a low positivity rate. The program has tested about 30,000 students so far.

As Nursing Homes’ Stocks Of PPE Get Too Low For Comfort, Ivey Grants Them $50 Million In COVID Aid

Federal aid for nursing homes comes as older adults comprise the largest share of COVID deaths in Alabama amid dwindling supplies.

Pregnancy During The Pandemic: What You Should Know

The interim chair of UAB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology debunked a number of COVID pregnancy myths.

UAB Launches COVID Testing For More Than 200,000 College Students

Alabama health experts and university leaders launched a statewide campus re-entry initiative to test and monitor the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses.

JeffCo Health Officer: COVID-19 Straining Entire Public Health System

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson says COVID-19 is putting a strain on every part of the public health system.

Drug Overdoses Increase During The Pandemic

Suspected drug overdoses have increased significantly in recent months across Alabama. Experts say the uptick is related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Health Inspectors Are Enforcing Coronavirus Rules, Can Close Jefferson County Restaurants And Bars That Do Not Comply

The Jefferson County Health Department is using food inspectors to monitor restaurant and bars’ adherence to COVID-19 orders, and they can immediately close establishments that do not comply.

Williamson: People’s Actions In The Next Two Weeks Critical To Controlling The Future Of COVID Infections

The former head of the Alabama Hospital Association says the state can slow the spread of COVID-19 if people wear masks and socially distance.

As More Inmates Die, Alabama Prisons Expand Testing For COVID-19

In recent weeks, the number of state inmates who have died from COVID-19 has more than doubled, with two more deaths announced Monday. Last week, ADOC officials announced plans to expand testing among the inmate population.

Fauci Says Alabama Still Could Rein In COVID-19, Even As Cases Spread Among Young People

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says states that are seeing an outbreak of the virus should mandate masks and close bars.

UAB To Open New Coronavirus Facility For Elderly Patients

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is creating a specialized skilled nursing facility for some COVID-19 patients in Jefferson County. Alabama's nursing homes have seen an influx of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in late March.

‘It’s A Reality For Us.’ ICU Nurse Shares The Impact Of COVID-19

Kelsey Jacks is a registered nurse in the medical Intensive care unit at UAB Hospital, where she takes care of the sickest COVID-19 patients. To help people understand the impact of the virus, she recorded an audio diary during a recent shift.

Face Masks Required Throughout Jefferson County Starting Monday

Beginning Monday, face masks will be required in indoor spaces open to the public throughout Jefferson County. Health officer Dr. Mark Wilson announced the new order Friday, citing concerns about the recent increase in spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Cases In Ages 5-24 Double Within A Month; Alabama Hits New Record Daily High

Alabama saw the number of coronavirus cases double among 5 to 24-year-olds, according to data from the Alabama Department of Public Health. The state also recorded a new daily high of 1,129 cases between 10 a.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday.

COVID-19 Cases Hit Record High Average For The Past Two Weeks

The 14-day moving average of COVID-19 cases has now surpassed the 700 mark.

The ‘Old Normal’ Is Making Us Sick Again, UAB Doc Says; NY-Area Bans Alabama Travelers Without A Quarantine

The number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose Wednesday by 954, one of the state’s largest daily increases since the pandemic began, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Low ICU Capacity Could Affect Non-Coronavirus Patients The Most

As coronavirus hospitalizations increase, more hospitals are feeling squeezed. The president of the Alabama Hospital Association says the state is far from getting the pandemic under control. Limited hospital capacity will most affect patients seeking care for health issues other than coronavirus.

Alabama’s COVID-19 Case Averages Reach New Highs

Moving averages of new COVID-19 cases have reached their highest levels since the start of the pandemic.

UAB Treating Its Highest Number Of Coronavirus Patients Since The Pandemic Began, Health Experts Say

Alabama continues to break records as cases of COVID-19 increase at the highest rate yet.

As Coronavirus Cases Spike, Numbers Bear ‘Very Close Watching’

Alabama hit record highs this past week in the number of new coronavirus cases. Health officials are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Alabama COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hit Record High

There are more Alabamians hospitalized for the coronavirus than at any point during the pandemic. UAB's Dr. Rachael Lee explains why.

Senator And State Health Officer Tackle Complex Slate Of Coronavirus Questions

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris reminds Alabamians that COVID-19 is not over. Instead, they say the number of confirmed cases in the state continues to rise.

Jefferson County Encourages More Coronavirus Testing As Cases Jump Statewide

The number of new coronavirus cases is rising in Alabama. Meanwhile, Jefferson County’s Health Department says some asymptomatic people should get checked.

Amid Statewide Reopening, Jefferson County Keeps Entertainment Venues Closed

Entertainment venues across Alabama reopened Friday, but not in the state’s most populous county.

How To Handle A Summer With COVID-19

The Memorial Day weekend is here, but the coronavirus hasn't gone away. What to consider when thinking about the summer ahead.

As State Loosens Restrictions, Health Experts Worry About COVID-19 Spread

As Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey allows more businesses to reopen next week, UAB infectious disease expert Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo is worried about the state's recent increase in average cases and deaths related to COVID-19.