coronavirus
First Black American To Lead Birmingham Business Alliance
Kenneth Coleman starts Monday as the new president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.
Birmingham Schools Discuss Plans To Reopen Aug. 24
The Birmingham Board of Education is considering four possibilities to begin the academic school year: remote learning, a hybrid model, traditional school and a virtual school option for the first nine weeks. A final decision will be made July 31.
Health Inspectors Are Enforcing Coronavirus Rules, Can Close Jefferson County Restaurants And Bars That Do Not Comply
The Jefferson County Health Department is using food inspectors to monitor restaurant and bars’ adherence to COVID-19 orders, and they can immediately close establishments that do not comply.
Williamson: People’s Actions In The Next Two Weeks Critical To Controlling The Future Of COVID Infections
The former head of the Alabama Hospital Association says the state can slow the spread of COVID-19 if people wear masks and socially distance.
Gov. Ivey Issues Statewide Mask Order
Beginning Thursday, face coverings will be required in public spaces throughout Alabama. Gov. Kay Ivey issued the order Wednesday, citing recent spikes in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
Alabama’s Budgets In Good Shape Despite Economic Hit From The Pandemic
Unemployment skyrocketed in Alabama and the economy sputtered after shutdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Still Alabama’s two budgets are on reasonably good footing.
As More Inmates Die, Alabama Prisons Expand Testing For COVID-19
In recent weeks, the number of state inmates who have died from COVID-19 has more than doubled, with two more deaths announced Monday. Last week, ADOC officials announced plans to expand testing among the inmate population.
Fauci Says Alabama Still Could Rein In COVID-19, Even As Cases Spread Among Young People
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says states that are seeing an outbreak of the virus should mandate masks and close bars.
An Update On The Pandemic’s Effect On WBHM
We don’t often turn the spotlight on ourselves, but the last four months at WBHM have been unlike any other time in the station’s history thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In advance of WBHM's one-day fund drive, we hear from station's executive director Chuck Holmes on how COVID-19 has affected WBHM.
UAB To Open New Coronavirus Facility For Elderly Patients
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is creating a specialized skilled nursing facility for some COVID-19 patients in Jefferson County. Alabama's nursing homes have seen an influx of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in late March.
Ivey Extends COVID-19 Health Order Through July
Gov. Ivey extended a public health order aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. It would have expired Friday.
‘It’s A Reality For Us.’ ICU Nurse Shares The Impact Of COVID-19
Kelsey Jacks is a registered nurse in the medical Intensive care unit at UAB Hospital, where she takes care of the sickest COVID-19 patients. To help people understand the impact of the virus, she recorded an audio diary during a recent shift.
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.
Alabama’s COVID-19 Case Averages Reach New Highs
Moving averages of new COVID-19 cases have reached their highest levels since the start of the pandemic.
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.
Polling Officials Say Alabama’s July 14 Election Won’t Mirror Georgia’s Snafus
Alabama is prepared for the July 14 primary runoffs, according to Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill.
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.
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.
