COVID-19

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.

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.

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 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.

Jefferson County Commission Considers Higher Rent For Polling Places

Polling places in Jefferson County could be in line to receive more money to host elections, according to a new report.

Amid Statewide Reopening, Jefferson County Keeps Entertainment Venues Closed

Entertainment venues across Alabama reopened Friday, but not in the state’s most populous county.

How To Handle A Summer With COVID-19

The Memorial Day weekend is here, but the coronavirus hasn't gone away. What to consider when thinking about the summer ahead.

Alabama Reopening Continues Amid Shaky Coronavirus Progress

Alabama's safer-at-home order was extended Thursday until early July. This comes as the state's coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Jefferson County Commission Considers More COVID-19 Relief For Businesses

The Jefferson County Commission is considering a resolution that would seek up to $1.15 million in supplemental funds for the county’s revolving loan fund grant from the state’s Economic Development Administration.

Beef, Poultry Farm Operations Hit By Coronavirus, But Peaches Are On Their Way

Pricing and processing delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic have made a direct hit on the Alabama cattle and poultry industries.

Birmingham Extends Face-Covering Requirement Through May 29

The Birmingham City Council issued another extension to its face covering ordinance. It's now set to expire on May 29.

Birmingham Health Care Worker Who Caught Virus ‘Had A Feeling That Things Weren’t Normal’

One healthcare worker in Birmingham talks about her experience battling COVID-19.

Legislature Approves Ivey Plan For COVID Relief Cash

Alabama lawmakers have agreed to give Gov. Kay Ivey a large amount of control over the state’s $1.8 billion in coronavirus relief funds.

Pandemic Complicates Preparations for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in the Deep South is nothing new. But hurricane season with a pandemic? That is different.

Local Group Effort Seeks to Overcome Barriers of Legal Status, Language to Offer COVID-19 Testing

Several organizations have come together to devise a unified strategy to reach Latino and other non-English-speaking residents of Jefferson County with COVID-19 information and support.

Face Covering Law in Birmingham Extended Through Next Week; Curfew Lifted

Birmingham’s public safety curfew is no longer in effect, but the ordinance requiring masks or face coverings to be worn in public has been extended for another week.

Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach

On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.

Alabama Reopening Restaurants, Bars With Limits On Monday

Alabama’s dine-in restaurants, bars, salons and gyms will be allowed to reopen next week.

Alabama General Fund Budget Heads To Governor

Alabama lawmakers passed the General Fund budget Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey.

Jeffco Commission Goes Behind Closed Doors Over Stimulus Money

The Jefferson County Commission received guidance this week on their legal use of federal stimulus money because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics

The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.

Some Sheriffs Say They Won’t Enforce Alabama’s Coronavirus Order

Alabama has allowed many retailers to reopen at limited capacity, but businesses such as gyms, nail salons and barbershops remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some sheriffs said they won’t enforce the statewide order.

City Council Places May 15 Deadline On Birmingham’s Mask, Public Safety Ordinances

Birmingham has placed a May 15 deadline on its mask and public safety ordinances, bringing them in line with Gov. Kay Ivey’s safer-at-home order.

Shoppers Emerge From Quarantine As State Eases COVID-19 Emergency Order

Alabama's retail industry opened its' doors once again after being closed for at least a month because of COVID-19.