On Tuesday, UAB Hospital was treating 105 inpatients with COVID-19, a new record.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said the spread of COVID-19 is now much worse than it was in April, but some people are acting as if the virus “isn’t a problem at all.” During a press conference Tuesday, Wilson said a significant portion of new cases are among people aged 20-45 who are less likely to be hospitalized due to the virus but are spreading it to others.
Wilson said there is not a single event or location driving the rise in case numbers, but he is concerned about people gathering in private spaces.
“That’s where we’re seeing a lot of spread,” Wilson said. “That’s where government doesn’t have a lot of control over behavior.”
As of Tuesday morning, 278 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Jefferson County, with 110 patients in intensive care. Wilson said area hospitals and medical staff are overwhelmed, testing sites are near capacity, and labs are facing backlogs.
“COVID-19 is now putting a strain on every part of our health care and public health system,” Wilson said.
UAB Hospital reported a record-breaking number of inpatients Tuesday, treating 105 people with COVID-19. Due to the increase, the hospital recently implemented part of its surge plan. Dr. Sarah Nafziger, co-chair of UAB’s Emergency Management Committee, said they are redirecting resources and using part of the emergency department waiting room to care for COVID patients.
“The downside of designating additional COVID-19 beds,” Nafziger said, “is that, by definition, it reduces the number of beds that are available for patients who have non-COVID medical needs.”
She said if numbers continue to increase, the hospital may have to limit other services, including elective surgeries and outpatient visits.
Mayor Randall Woodfin plans to pardon more than 15,000 Birmingham residents convicted of marijuana possession.
The plan is for Jefferson County to purchase lots one and two of the property, which would remain under county ownership. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society would purchase lot three and build an animal hospital and adoption control facility there.
Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, has been found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Many rural health leaders believe community health centers, which were born in the 60s to reach low-income communities of color, were a missing piece in achieving equity in the vaccine rollout.
The five-member board will have the authority to investigate citizen complaints and will have some subpoena powers to aid those investigations.
Last week's overwhelming vote against forming a union at Amazon's Bessemer warehouse was the latest in a string of disappointments for labor unions. Now Amazon employees and union backers are trying to find a way forward.
