Health

Testing supplies remain scarce across Alabama, state health officer says

A lack of testing supplies continues to make it difficult to see the extent of COVID-19’s infection rate across Alabama, according to the state’s health officer.  “Testing continues to be a concern for us,” said state health officer Dr. Scott Harris, speaking at a press conference in Montgomery on Monday. “One of our continuing problems … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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March 23, 2020

Alabama state health officer: “Some hospitals are already nearing capacity”

Alabama Department of Public Health officer Dr. Scott Harris, at a press conference Monday, again urged Alabamians to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and abide by social-distancing restrictions the state has ordered. A number of hospitals in the state are already “nearing capacity,” as the number of cases in Alabama continues to rise. As of … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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March 23, 2020

State will allow out-of-state doctors, assistants to work in Alabama during COVID-19 crisis

In an effort to bolster the state’s medical response to COVID-19, state health officials announced Monday that physicians and physician assistants with out-of-state medical licenses can now receive temporary permission to work in Alabama. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensuare Commission have adopted emergency administrative rules to allow physicians and physician … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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March 23, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey extends tax filing deadline until July 15

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Revenue announced Monday an extension of the state income tax filing due date until July 15.  “Taxpayers can also defer state income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed,” Ivey’s office said in a … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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March 23, 2020

Jefferson County orders more businesses closed amid COVID-19 crisis

The Jefferson County Department of Health on Sunday issued an update to its public health order, adding more restrictions and clarifying that a number of businesses need to close by Monday at 5 p.m. Jefferson County Health Officer, Dr. Mark Wilson, tightened his public health order Sunday, ordering that all hair salons and barbershops close … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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March 23, 2020

As hospitals take drastic action to conserve masks, staff worry they’re putting themselves and patients at risk

Some health care workers at DCH Health System’s facilities in Tuscaloosa County are being told not to wear personal protective equipment like masks as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to rise and hospitals rush to prepare for what’s ahead. Now a clinician in one of these units is showing symptoms of … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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March 23, 2020

Department of Conservation says most state parks will stay open

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said last week that most of their outdoor facilities remain open for recreation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ADCNR has made a number of temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of its employees and the general public. The changes will be in effect … Continued

Brandon Moseley

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March 23, 2020

Jones proposes “small business lifeline fund” to continue payroll for workers

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, spoke in the Senate chamber this weekend to propose a new model to direct money to small businesses by funding payroll service companies. His proposal, the “Small Business Lifeline Fund,” would establish a new fund that would offer short-term, no-interest “bridge” loans to employers that would be directed through their … Continued

March 23, 2020

Montgomery’s Jackson Hospital near breaking point with COVID-19 patients, ER staff say

Emergency room staff at Montgomery’s Jackson Hospital are exhausted, in personal danger and frustrated. “I don’t mind putting my life on the line, that’s what I trained for,” said a Jackson Hospital emergency room staffer. “But what I didn’t expect was the lack of planning, supplies, and guidance at the level we are experiencing right … Continued

Bill Britt

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March 22, 2020