Coronavirus
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.
Alabama Schools To Open In August, But Parents Have Home Education Option
Alabama public schools will reopen in August despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but parents will be given the option of continuing distance learning.
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.
Gov. Ivey Has Been Quiet On COVID-19. Does It Matter?
Unlike some other governors, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has kept a very low profile during the coronavirus pandemic, only rarely acknowledging it. But what difference does that make?
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.
City of Birmingham Facing ‘Economic Crisis’ Over Falling Revenue From Pandemic
Birmingham expects a significant hit to its budget due to coronavirus.
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.
County Officials Hope New State Intake Procedures For Inmates Relieves Pandemic Pressure
Inmate transfers from county jails to the state prison system have been reduced because of the pandemic. Local officials say that needs to change or county jails will be in crisis.
Privacy Concerns Decrease Amid Launch Of Tech Giants’ Contact Tracing App
Alabama is one of a few states getting ready to deploy a bluetooth-based contact tracing app created by tech giants Apple and Google.
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.
Two More Weeks Of Face Coverings Required, Birmingham Council Says
The Birmingham City Council has extended the city’s face covering ordinance for two more weeks.
Birmingham Brewery Bounces Back After Coronavirus Slows Sales
We checked back in with a Birmingham brewery owner who wasn’t sure in mid-March whether his business would survive the pandemic.
Birmingham City Council To Consider Extending Face Covering Requirement
The Birmingham City Council will vote Friday on whether to extend the city's face covering ordinance.
Alabama’s Absentee Ballot Rules Draw Increased Scrutiny Amid Pandemic
Criticisms of Alabama’s absentee ballot requirements are intensifying. Legal challenges to the law call for greater accessibility, especially to the state's most vulnerable populations -- black residents, the elderly and those with disabilities.
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.
Birmingham Will Allow Mask Rule To Expire Friday
Birmingham will allow its face covering ordinance to expire Friday, May 29.
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.
Alabama Reopening Continues Amid Shaky Coronavirus Progress
Alabama's safer-at-home order was extended Thursday until early July. This comes as the state's coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Families & Advocates Want More Data On COVID19 In Alabama Nursing Homes
More than half of Alabama's nursing homes have reported coronavirus cases. But families and advocates say they don’t have a clear picture of what’s happening inside these places because state health officials don’t disclose information on individual facilities.
Jefferson County Commission Considers More COVID-19 Relief For Businesses
The Jefferson County Commission is considering a resolution that would seek up to $1.15 million in supplemental funds for the county’s revolving loan fund grant from the state’s Economic Development Administration.
Beef, Poultry Farm Operations Hit By Coronavirus, But Peaches Are On Their Way
Pricing and processing delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic have made a direct hit on the Alabama cattle and poultry industries.
Birmingham Extends Face-Covering Requirement Through May 29
The Birmingham City Council issued another extension to its face covering ordinance. It's now set to expire on May 29.
Birmingham Health Care Worker Who Caught Virus ‘Had A Feeling That Things Weren’t Normal’
One healthcare worker in Birmingham talks about her experience battling COVID-19.
Legislature Approves Ivey Plan For COVID Relief Cash
Alabama lawmakers have agreed to give Gov. Kay Ivey a large amount of control over the state’s $1.8 billion in coronavirus relief funds.
Traditional Graduation Ceremonies Back On At Some High Schools
Hoover City Schools announced it will move forward with in-person graduation ceremonies this week, and they’re not alone. Parents are divided on the issue.
Pandemic Complicates Preparations for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Deep South is nothing new. But hurricane season with a pandemic? That is different.
Pepper Place Farmers Market Becomes A Drive-thru For The Pandemic
The crowds of the Market at Pepper Place have given way to a line of cars for safety's sake during the pandemic.
