coronavirus
Alabama health officer reflects on lessons learned from COVID-19
Dr. Scott Harris describes the challenges of navigating three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by political divisions and mistrust.
As much of the Gulf South remains unvaccinated, New Orleans issues a mandate for kids
The city will expand its mandate in 2022 to include children 5 and older. The city health director said “there was no good scientific or educational reason to wait.”
First case of omicron variant in Alabama has been confirmed
Alabama has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, according to the state health officer.
An unlikely place, Lowndes County, has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Alabama
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Lowndes County was one of the hardest hit places in Alabama. So when the vaccine became available, doses were rushed to Lowndes and other Black Belt counties by the federal government.
Trash is piling up around some apartments in Birmingham. It is not just about the pandemic
Some people who live in apartments or operate a business around the Birmingham area have complained about trash piling up this fall. It’s reasonable to assume the city should be picking up that garbage, but that’s not the case.
Amid ICU Shortage, Alabama Hospitals See Record-Breaking Pediatric Caseload
Alabama's hospitals are caring for more children with COVID-19 than ever before, the latest development in an increasingly dire situation for the state's health care system.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson: ‘I’m Really Just Begging People To Help’
Wilson said Alabama's health care system was nearly crippled during a winter COVID-19 surge. The delta variant has the potential to be even worse.
Alabama’s Frontline Providers: ‘We Are Overworked And We Are Frustrated’
Amid a fourth, more rapid surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Alabama health care providers share stories from inside hospitals across the state.
Alabama’s COVID Hospitalizations On Track To Surpass Winter Surge
State hospitals may soon be caring for more coronavirus patients than ever before. Many are already diverting resources to keep up with the surge.
Vaccination Rates Are Ticking Up. Here’s Why Birmingham Residents Are Rolling Up Their Sleeves.
The delta variant and rising hospitalizations are among the reasons vaccine recipients cite.
Birmingham Hospital Leaders: COVID Surge ‘Heartbreaking … And Largely Preventable’
Statewide hospitalizations for COVID-19 topped 1,700 Wednesday, fueled by the highly-contagious delta variant.
People in Alabama Prisons Confused, Frustrated As State Officials Withhold Their Stimulus Checks
Thousands of people in Alabama prisons received COVID-19 stimulus payments from the federal government, but state officials are holding the checks. They say people in prison will get their money, but maybe not all of it.
Birmingham City Council To Hear $13 Million Vaccine Sweepstakes Proposal Tuesday
Council President William Parker's plan includes gift cards, savings bonds, college scholarships and drawings in an attempt to encourage more people get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Starting Thursday, UAB To Offer Pfizer Vaccine To Adolescents
The Pfizer COVID-19 shot was found to be 100% effective in preventing disease among children aged 12 to 15 years old.
Alabama Pauses Distribution Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Alabama is one of several states halting distribution of the vaccine as federal health officials examine links to adverse health effects.
Gov. Kay Ivey Announces ‘Safer Apart’ Order As Mask Mandate Ends
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a proclamation transitioning the state from an amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order.
Businesses React To Birmingham’s New Mask Order
A local ordinance replaces the statewide mask order expiring April 9. Some say the move is necessary, but others call it an "undue burden."
A Vaccination Event For Commercial Fishers Offers Lessons On How To Reel In At-Risk Communities
As the rollout expands, health officials and community leaders are learning more about how to make sure the vaccine is not only available, but truly accessible for at-risk groups.
Alabama Deploys Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Units To Rural Areas
All eligible Alabamians in these 24 rural counties can receive a free COVID-19 vaccine beginning Tuesday.
Alabama Plans To Open Vaccine Eligibility By May 1, But Hesitancy Remains A Problem
About one-third of adults in Alabama are hesitant to get the vaccine, according to polling by the state department of public health.
UAB To Open New Vaccination Site And Update Demographic Data
The vaccination site located at AOH Cathedral of the Cross in northeast Birmingham is a drive-thru site, but only eligible residents can sign up for an appointment.
A Year Like No Other: COVID-19 In The Gulf States
In a special broadcast one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, reporters from public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana reflect on the toll it’s taken on the region.
One Year In, Bama Tracker Creator Considers Future Of COVID Data Site
The reach of David Marconnet's site grew beyond what he imagined. But with cases dropping, Bama Tracker may have run its course.
Birmingham VA Offers Vaccines To Eligible Veterans of All Ages
The agency announced the change on Wednesday.
UAB And JeffCo To Expand Vaccine Outreach In Underrepresented Communities
As of Wednesday, UAB had administered roughly 80,000 vaccine doses, but Black residents remain disproportionately underrepresented.
Alabama’s COVID-19 Death Count Nears 10,000 Mark
Within about a year, the state has lost almost 10,000 Alabamians to COVID-19.
UAB Officials Hopeful Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Could Accelerate Rollout
UAB health experts say when it comes to vaccine variety, more is better. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the latest to win approval from the federal government.
Alabama’s COVID Vaccination Rate Increases
Federal programs have helped increase the number of Alabamians getting vaccinated in recent weeks.
“The Edge of the Woods”: UAB Epidemiologist Says Herd Immunity Could Be Reached By Late Spring
An epidemiologist at UAB Medicine thinks that Alabama may be headed toward a long-sought goal in the COVID pandemic and may reach that goal sooner than many had expected.
Alabama Cautiously Optimistic About Improving COVID Numbers
The end of holiday season gatherings and early vaccinations are thought to be factors in the pandemic's positive trend.
Black Residents Call For More COVID Vaccine Outreach And Access
Concerned about disparities in vaccine allocation, Birmingham community leaders want officials to increase outreach efforts in Black neighborhoods.
To Get The Vaccine Or Not: How These Black Health Care Workers Made The Decision
Skepticism around the COVID-19 vaccine appears to be more prevalent within the Black community and among Black health care workers. We talked to a few of them about what’s guiding their decisions.
