COVID-19
After 12 years and a pandemic, Jefferson County’s health officer steps down
Dr. Mark Wilson is well-known for leading residents through the COVID-19 pandemic, but his legacy includes a larger effort to expand the role of public health.
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.
The Gulf South is dealing with a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and RSV as the holidays near
Health officials say now is not the time to let your guard down on protecting yourself, and others, as the three contagious viruses spread across the region.
Lawsuit aims to block Alabama from using COVID relief funds on prison project
The U.S. Treasury said prison construction is a “generally ineligible” use of American Rescue Plan funds, but has not intervened in Alabama's plans.
Jefferson County health providers ‘well equipped’ for The World Games
Officials plan to treat as many people as possible at on site medical tents. They say the biggest concern is heat-related illness.
Q&A: After federal complaint for COVID vaccine rollout, what’s next for Mississippi?
The NAACP’s and SPLC’s federal complaint claims that Mississippi didn’t equitably spend its federal COVID-19 relief funds, leaving out communities of color.
World Games officials aim for full venues amid pandemic uncertainty
Event organizers say they're following guidance from local health officials, who say it's impossible to predict COVID case numbers this summer.
Exhaustion and nervousness after 2 years of COVID in Alabama
March 13 marked two years since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Alabama. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said we're in a good place now, but there's concern of another surge.
Key COVID moments in the Gulf South 2 years later
On the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look back at the Gulf States Newsroom’s coverage of the infectious disease’s impact on the Gulf South region.
Is New Orleans ready for Mardi Gras? A Q&A with health director Jennifer Avegno
New Orleans is in full celebration mode with Mardi Gras just days away, but where does COVID fit into the equation? The city’s health director has answers.
Travel nurse salaries are rising due to demand. Some hospitals say it’s price gouging
In the Gulf South, Mississippi has spent around $90 million on temporary medical staff. Louisiana has spent nearly $250 million.
Gulf South hospitals face ‘worst-case scenario’ as staffing costs skyrocket
Facilities are under strain and federal assistance only goes so far.
Birmingham teachers stage sickout due to COVID frustrations
Some Birmingham City Schools employees staged a sickout this week to bring attention to their concerns with how COVID-19 is being dealt with in their schools.
Omicron is less severe, but it’s overwhelming Alabama’s hospitals
The omicron variant leads to fewer hospitalizations and deaths, but the variant is infecting more people than any previous surge.
With the mental health system strained, here’s how some people are coping during the pandemic
Alabama is among the bottom of states for media health providers per capita. That has people looking online and other places to find help.
State Health Officer warns Alabama is ‘not in a good place’ fighting the Omicron variant
During a media call Tuesday, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said Alabama is seeing the highest new daily case numbers of the pandemic.
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.”
Prison visits are back in the Gulf States. Many have not seen loved ones for nearly 2 years
This holiday season, many incarcerated people in the Gulf States are seeing their loved ones for the first time since March 2020 due to COVID restrictions.
Virus hospitalizations, school cases increasing in Alabama
The state's top doctor says caseloads are manageable, but officials are concerned.
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.
Tips for a happy, safe and COVID-free Thanksgiving from Gulf South health officials
Hosting a family gathering for Thanksgiving but worried about COVID transmission? Health officials offer these tips for a happy, safe holiday.
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.
First kids ages 5-11 to get COVID shot looking forward to sleepovers, ‘feeling safe’
As pharmacies and health care providers begin rolling out the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds, appointments and waitlists are filling up.
Why Black teens are getting vaccinated at higher rates than white teens across the South
Data acquired from health departments across the Gulf South show that among 12 to 17 year olds, Black teenagers are getting vaccinated at roughly one and a half times the rate of white teenagers.
Kids age 5 and up can start getting vaccinated in Jefferson County
Over 400,000 kids in Alabama aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, after the CDC approved Pfizer’s low-dose vaccine for kids. Several families in Jefferson County told WBHM they’re eager to get their shots and move towards normalcy.
COVID vaccines for young children could be approved soon. Are Gulf States prepared?
Kids between the ages of 5-11 years old might be able to get vaccinated in the near future. Here’s why it would be a game-changer for the Gulf States, and how they’re preparing for the shot’s rollout.
As southern workers quit in record number, restaurants struggle to meet demands
Wages have gone up as restaurants try to hold onto their staff amid a record number of people quitting their jobs in the U.S., especially in the South.
Feeling angry? You’re not alone. A UAB psychologist offers 5 ways to deal with pandemic anger
Feelings of anger and frustration are bubbling up for many people in Alabama, 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic. A psychologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham explains how to manage it.
Alabama Will Follow CDC Guidelines For COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized a third shot of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups.
Animal Shelters In The Gulf South Are Literally Overflowing With Animals
With staffing shortages and high intake, shelters in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are overwhelmed with the number of animals they have.
Alabama Hospitals Hit Plateau With COVID Patients But Facilities Still In Crisis
Alabama still has more ICU patients than available beds. Hospital officials need more nurses too.
