News
Face Covering Law in Birmingham Extended Through Next Week; Curfew Lifted
Birmingham’s public safety curfew is no longer in effect, but the ordinance requiring masks or face coverings to be worn in public has been extended for another week.
Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach
On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.
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.
Alabama Reopening Restaurants, Bars With Limits On Monday
Alabama’s dine-in restaurants, bars, salons and gyms will be allowed to reopen next week.
Alabama General Fund Budget Heads To Governor
Alabama lawmakers passed the General Fund budget Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey.
Amid COVID-19 Pressures, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea Closes For Good
Lucy’s Coffee & Tea has been a Birmingham staple for more than 25 years. Earlier this week, owner Lucy Bonds announced she’s closing her cafe for good.
Jeffco Commission Goes Behind Closed Doors Over Stimulus Money
The Jefferson County Commission received guidance this week on their legal use of federal stimulus money because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Medical Procedures Resume, Patients Weigh Whether It’s Safe
Gov. Kay Ivey’s “safer-at-home” order allows doctors to resume elective medical and dental procedures. For some patients, that’s good news.
Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics
The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.
Some Sheriffs Say They Won’t Enforce Alabama’s Coronavirus Order
Alabama has allowed many retailers to reopen at limited capacity, but businesses such as gyms, nail salons and barbershops remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some sheriffs said they won’t enforce the statewide order.
City Council Places May 15 Deadline On Birmingham’s Mask, Public Safety Ordinances
Birmingham has placed a May 15 deadline on its mask and public safety ordinances, bringing them in line with Gov. Kay Ivey’s safer-at-home order.
Shoppers Emerge From Quarantine As State Eases COVID-19 Emergency Order
Alabama's retail industry opened its' doors once again after being closed for at least a month because of COVID-19.
UAB Furloughs Staffers And Cuts Pay Amid Pandemic
UAB announced Monday that more than 300 university staff members will be temporarily furloughed in an effort to offset significant financial losses due to COVID-19.
In Rural Alabama, Pandemic Highlights Need For Broadband Access
The internet is helping a lot of people get through the COVID-19 crisis. But many people in rural areas like the Black Belt have no internet access at all.
Birmingham Mayor Announces Nightly Curfew, Defends Mask Ordinance
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is defending two new city ordinances tightening restrictions around COVID-19. Beginning Friday, residents will be under a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and they must wear face coverings in public.
Alabama Lawmakers Return To Pass Budgets After Extended Coronavirus Break
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery Monday after an extended break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans want to pass the budgets quickly. Democrats want to wait.
UAB Drug Remdesivir Is First to Block the COVID-19 Virus, May Become Standard of Care. Fauci “Optimistic.”
Remdesivir, a drug developed through a federal grant to UAB, may be the first effective therapy for treating severely ill COVID-19 patients, early analysis of a large federally sponsored study found this week.
Small Business Loans Site Crashes Amid Flood of New PPP Applications
Alabama bankers couldn’t access the federal Paycheck Protection Program application site on Monday so that small businesses hurt by the coronavirus could apply for the loans.
Some Alabama Graduations Saved By Going Virtual
Most spring graduations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But a few groups and institutions are organizing virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020
Jefferson County Reopening Courthouses Friday, With Some Restrictions
Jefferson County will reopen its courthouses and county facilities on Friday.
Despite Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions, Many Plan To Stay At Home
Gov. Kay Ivey will ease coronavirus restrictions starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. Under the new rules, businesses and all retailers can reopen. So will beaches and doctors offices. Nevertheless, many people plan to stay put.
Retailers And Beaches Allowed Conditional Reopening As Ivey Eases Stay-At-Home Order
Gov. Kay Ivey says retailers and public beaches can reopen under certain conditions as she relaxes a stay-at-home order issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Birmingham Requires Face Masks in Public Starting Friday
Birmingham residents will be legally required to wear face masks in public starting May 1.
UAB to Start COVID-19 Testing With Mobile Units in Bush Hills, Center Point
UAB will deploy a new COVID-19 mobile testing unit this week to communities across Jefferson County.
Comedians Get Extra Creative During The COVID-19 Pandemic
With entertainment venues closed because of COVID-19, local standup comedians and improv performers are having to find other ways to connect to their audiences. Some have even turned to social media to practice their craft.
Alabama Lags Coronavirus Testing Rate Advised to Begin Reopening
Data shows Alabama lags behind most of its Southeast neighbors in COVID-19 testing.
UAB Hospital Losing $70 Million Per Month Due To COVID Restrictions
UAB Hospital is taking a financial hit from COVID-19. Officials announced Friday a projected loss of $70 million per month due to fewer clinical visits, elective surgeries and hospital stays.
Inside Alabama’s Prisons, Fear Of A Coronavirus Outbreak
Alabama corrections officials recently reported the first inmate death related to COVID-19. With several prisoners and staff members testing positive for the virus, those inside Alabama prisons worry this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Customers Resort To DIY Styles With Barbershops & Hair Salons Closed
The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and barbershops. That has led some people to get creative about how to keep their hair looking good during the crisis.
Q&A With UAB Med School Dean Selwyn Vickers: Pandemic “Significantly” Shutting Down Clinical Trial Enterprise
BirminghamWatch spoke with the dean of UAB's Medical School about COVID-19's impact on clinical trials.
Ivey: Alabama Needs More Testing Before Reopening
Gov. Kay Ivey says the state needs an increase in COVID-19 testing before she reopens the state's economy.
Birmingham Superintendent Lisa Herring Stepping Down To Lead Atlanta Public Schools
Birmingham school Superintendent Lisa Herring is leaving to become superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.
