COVID-19

Three Mini Stories To Make You Smile During The COVID-19 Crisis

There's so much news about the coronavirus it can be overwhelming. So here are three bright moments in the midst of the pandemic.

Coronavirus Impacts Revenue At Birmingham Zoo

Spring usually kicks off the busy season for the Birmingham Zoo, but not this year. Like many attractions across the nation, the zoo is closed until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Doug Jones: Alabama ‘Critically Unprepared’ For COVID-19

Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says Alabama is an "unhealthy" state with a high-risk population. He says officials should implement strict measures to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Falling Tax Revenue Looms For State, Counties, Cities

Late April will bring financial pain for state and local governments as businesses in Alabama begin submitting lower taxes because of the coronavirus.

New Coronavirus Tracker Hopes To Locate Hotspots In Rural, Underserved Areas

UAB has created a new symptom checker to track the spread of COVID-19. The website hopes to give public health officials insight on virus hotspots, especially in underserved communities.

Association Protests Plan To Put Recovering COVID-19 Patients In Nursing Homes

The Alabama Nursing Home Association opposes a decision by Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson to place patients who are recovering from COVID-19 in nursing homes.

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?

‘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.

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.

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.

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 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.

‘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.