News

Lt. Gov. Ainsworth: ‘We’ve Got To Get This Under Control’

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth wants Alabamians to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. Other state leaders don't seem to share the same urgency.

Alabama K-12 Students Will Finish School Year From Home

Amid growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says K-12 students will not return to classrooms to finish out the 2019-2020 school year.

Birmingham’s Food & Beverage Industry Struggles Amid Coronavirus

Many small businesses in Alabama hit by the coronavirus crisis are struggling to stay afloat. State health officials recently prohibited on-site eating and drinking at restaurants and bars. The restrictions have forced a few Birmingham establishments to close their doors for good.

Getting Out For A Walk In The Woods? Social Distancing Still Applies

With gyms closed and kids home from school, more people are visiting area parks. Some officials are grappling with how to manage the crowds without putting the public’s health at risk.

Layoffs, Job Losses — COVID-19 Impact Expected To Play Out Over Months

The coronavirus pandemic has caused layoffs and job loss across the country. Now Alabamians are figuring out how to cope with a new normal.

Jackson County Reports Alabama’s First Coronavirus Death

An employee at the Jackson County Courthouse has died from the coronavirus, according to County Commission Chairman Tim Guffey, which could be Alabama’s first death from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus Puts Focus On Preppers

Preppers — those who stockpile food and other supplies — are getting a lot of attention lately given the public’s concerns over Coronavirus and the fear of some kind of societal breakdown.

Updated: Where Can I Get Tested For COVID-19?

A list of where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Alabama.

Birmingham Under Shelter-In-Place Order

A new shelter-in-place order puts restrictions on where you can go outside your home.

Alabama Schools Chief Explores Ways To Teach Students During An ‘Incomplete Year’

State education leaders are trying to figure out how to teach students in an era of coronavirus.

Sunday Church Drive-In Style In The Coronavirus Age

Large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus, so churches can't meet as usual. One Alabama church tried a drive-in service.

As COVID-19 Spreads, Meals On Wheels Adapts To Serve Seniors

With volunteers at home and the economy in decline, area nonprofits are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Meanwhile, communities are seeing an increased need for charitable programs.

UAB Hospital To Open Appointment Only Test Site For COVID-19

Starting Monday, UAB hospital will offer testing for COVID-19 at a drive-thru center in downtown Birmingham. Symptomatic patients must call first and make an appointment.

COVID-19 Repercussions Will Strain Next Fiscal Year’s State Budget

The state budget is sure to take a hit next year. Lawmakers say it's too early to tell how big it will be.

Gov. Ivey Closes Beaches Through April 5

State and local health officials issued new statewide health restrictions Thursday in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama.

UAB Infectious Disease Expert With COVID-19 Says “Stay Home”

University of Alabama at Birmingham AIDS researcher Dr. Michael Saag says he's tested positive for coronavirus. He made his diagnosis public in an effort to raise awareness of how to fight the disease.

Protecting People In Prisons, Jails And Shelters From COVID-19

To slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials are asking people to stay home and practice social distancing. But in Alabama prisons and homeless shelters, following this advice is virtually impossible.

Doug Jones: ‘We Don’t Want To Overrun This System.’

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says everyone has to do their part to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Congress is working on relief packages to support the medical community and address the economic fallout.

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.

Alabama Health Department Expands COVID-19 Restrictions

The Alabama Department of Public Health announced Tuesday it was expanding limits on restaurants and senior center gatherings in six counties. Jefferson County put its restrictions into effect Monday.

Uncertainty Around Coronavirus Hits The Travel Industry Hard

Usually this time of year, families are gearing up for spring break trips. But coronavirus has people canceling plans, putting significant pressure on the travel industry.

‘Drastic Efforts’ In Jeffco Aim To Curb The Spread Of Coronavirus

To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials announced Tuesday a series of orders to limit public gatherings in Jefferson County.

Officials Tighten Restrictions On Gatherings As Coronavirus Cases Increase

The Alabama Department of Public Health issued new recommendations Monday as the city of Birmingham and the Jefferson County Commission declared states of emergency.

How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Alabama

Days after Alabama confirmed its first case of coronavirus, testing is ramping up across the state. There are a growing number of options to get screened and tested for the virus.

Fearing Coronavirus Spread, Many Area Schools Close Immediately

As concerns about the spread of coronavirus grow, more schools opt to close immediately.

Alabama Lawmakers Approve $5 Million For Coronavirus Response

Coronavirus grabbed the attention of state lawmakers this week. And bills related to the prison system and medical marijuana advanced.

Gov. Kay Ivey Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus

Alabama schools will close and a second coronavirus case is confirmed -- this one in Jefferson County.

Alabama Reports Its First Case Of Coronavirus

Alabama officials announced the state's first case of COVID-19.

Alabama Still Has Not Detected Coronavirus. Health Officials Advise Acting Otherwise

Alabama remains one of a handful of states where the coronavirus has not been detected. Some say officials should be doing more to prepare and test for the disease.

Alabama Events Canceled, Attractions Close Amid Coronavirus Fears

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many closures and event cancellations across the state.

Universities Prepare For COVID-19 Ahead Of Spring Break

Samford and UAB are taking precautions in the event coronavirus spreads. There are currently no confirmed cases of the disease in Alabama.