coronavirus
Jefferson County Commission Sets Up $1 Million Virus Fund, Extends County Closings Through April
The Jefferson County Commission used its second emergency meeting of the COVID-19 pandemic to extend the closure of county facilities until April 30 and set up a $1 million COVID-19 fund to handle needs as they arise.
Advocates Call For COVID-19 Resources In Spanish, Other Languages
Local advocacy groups say non-English speaking immigrants are an especially vulnerable group during this crisis, and not enough is being done to help them.
Birmingham Could Be Two Weeks Away From NYC COVID-19 Rates
The coronavirus pandemic in Alabama is not as bad as hot spots elsewhere in the country, but public health officials expect that to change.
Lawyers: Set Parole Hearings, Prevent Virus Spread In Alabama’s Crowded Prisons
A group of law school faculty members and former prosecutors has written Gov. Kay Ivey urging her to have the state Board of Pardons and Paroles hold expedited hearings to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to Alabama’s prison population.
No Need To Worry About Drinking Water During The COVID-19 Crisis, ADEM Director Says
Public drinking water is safe, according to the director of the Alabama Department of Environment.
UAB To Test Potential COVID-19 Vaccine
The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the biopharmaceutical company Altimmune Inc. will test a potential vaccine for COVID-19, the university announced today.
Making Sense Of Alabama’s Coronavirus Numbers
Alabama's coronavirus numbers don't always seem to line up. What's going on?
Alabama Bankers Association CEO Says Banks Are Secure During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has many people wondering about their economic future and the safety of their money. The head of the Alabama Bankers Association says banks across the state have been preparing for a crisis of this magnitude for years.
‘Critical Shortage Everywhere’ Of Personal Protective Equipment
The health care workers who care for COVID-19 patients are on the front lines, but hospitals and clinics are running out of the protective equipment medical providers need to protect themselves.
World Awaits Results Of COVID-19 Drug Treatment Developed At UAB Center
In the search for a drug treatment for COVID-19, prime interest has centered on Remdesivir, a compound produced by Gilead Sciences that has its roots in a National Institutes of Health-funded center based at UAB.
Alabama Orders Nonessential Businesses Closed Due To Coronavirus
The Alabama Department of Public Health has ordered nonessential businesses closed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Lt. Gov. Ainsworth: ‘We’ve Got To Get This Under Control’
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth wants Alabamians to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. Other state leaders don't seem to share the same urgency.
Alabama K-12 Students Will Finish School Year From Home
Amid growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says K-12 students will not return to classrooms to finish out the 2019-2020 school year.
Birmingham’s Food & Beverage Industry Struggles Amid Coronavirus
Many small businesses in Alabama hit by the coronavirus crisis are struggling to stay afloat. State health officials recently prohibited on-site eating and drinking at restaurants and bars. The restrictions have forced a few Birmingham establishments to close their doors for good.
Getting Out For A Walk In The Woods? Social Distancing Still Applies
With gyms closed and kids home from school, more people are visiting area parks. Some officials are grappling with how to manage the crowds without putting the public’s health at risk.
Layoffs, Job Losses — COVID-19 Impact Expected To Play Out Over Months
The coronavirus pandemic has caused layoffs and job loss across the country. Now Alabamians are figuring out how to cope with a new normal.
Jackson County Reports Alabama’s First Coronavirus Death
An employee at the Jackson County Courthouse has died from the coronavirus, according to County Commission Chairman Tim Guffey, which could be Alabama’s first death from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated: Where Can I Get Tested For COVID-19?
A list of where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Alabama.
Sunday Church Drive-In Style In The Coronavirus Age
Large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus, so churches can't meet as usual. One Alabama church tried a drive-in service.
As COVID-19 Spreads, Meals On Wheels Adapts To Serve Seniors
With volunteers at home and the economy in decline, area nonprofits are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Meanwhile, communities are seeing an increased need for charitable programs.
UAB Hospital To Open Appointment Only Test Site For COVID-19
Starting Monday, UAB hospital will offer testing for COVID-19 at a drive-thru center in downtown Birmingham. Symptomatic patients must call first and make an appointment.
COVID-19 Repercussions Will Strain Next Fiscal Year’s State Budget
The state budget is sure to take a hit next year. Lawmakers say it's too early to tell how big it will be.
Gov. Ivey Closes Beaches Through April 5
State and local health officials issued new statewide health restrictions Thursday in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama.
UAB Infectious Disease Expert With COVID-19 Says “Stay Home”
University of Alabama at Birmingham AIDS researcher Dr. Michael Saag says he's tested positive for coronavirus. He made his diagnosis public in an effort to raise awareness of how to fight the disease.
Protecting People In Prisons, Jails And Shelters From COVID-19
To slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials are asking people to stay home and practice social distancing. But in Alabama prisons and homeless shelters, following this advice is virtually impossible.
Doug Jones: ‘We Don’t Want To Overrun This System.’
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says everyone has to do their part to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Congress is working on relief packages to support the medical community and address the economic fallout.
Alabama COVID-19 Testing Rife With Delays And Uncertainty
Across Alabama, the demand for COVID-19 testing is growing, and labs are struggling to turn around test results quickly.
Alabama Health Department Expands COVID-19 Restrictions
The Alabama Department of Public Health announced Tuesday it was expanding limits on restaurants and senior center gatherings in six counties. Jefferson County put its restrictions into effect Monday.
Uncertainty Around Coronavirus Hits The Travel Industry Hard
Usually this time of year, families are gearing up for spring break trips. But coronavirus has people canceling plans, putting significant pressure on the travel industry.
‘Drastic Efforts’ In Jeffco Aim To Curb The Spread Of Coronavirus
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials announced Tuesday a series of orders to limit public gatherings in Jefferson County.
Officials Tighten Restrictions On Gatherings As Coronavirus Cases Increase
The Alabama Department of Public Health issued new recommendations Monday as the city of Birmingham and the Jefferson County Commission declared states of emergency.
How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Alabama
Days after Alabama confirmed its first case of coronavirus, testing is ramping up across the state. There are a growing number of options to get screened and tested for the virus.
