Health

Fifth Alabama inmate dies after testing positive for COVID-19

The fifth inmate in an Alabama prison has died after testing positive for COVID-19, the Alabama Department of Corrections announced Wednesday. Allen Barton, 59, a terminally-ill man who was serving at Staton Correctional Facility tested positive for COVID-19 in the prison’s infirmary after exhibition symptoms of the virus, ADOC said in a statement. He was … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 24, 2020

Alabama records second-highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases

Alabama on Wednesday recorded the second-highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, signaling that the virus continues to spread throughout communities across the state, experts said. The state saw 954 new confirmed cases Wednesday, the highest daily new case count since the previous high of 1,014 on June 14. The state’s 14-day … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 24, 2020

More than 200 Alabamians have died from COVID-19 in the month of June

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 23 more citizens of the state have died from COVID-19 — the latest setback for a state that had been optimistic about reopening the economy. The losses bring the state’s death toll to 854. At least 224 Alabamians have died during June alone. {{CODE1}} While many … Continued

Brandon Moseley

June 24, 2020

Clinical trials of inhaled version of drug to treat COVID-19 to begin

The company behind the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of COVID-19 announced Monday plans to begin clinical trials of an inhaled version of the drug, which, if proven beneficial, could make it easier to administer and treat people earlier. In an open letter posted to Gilead Sciences website … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 23, 2020

Part-time employee in lieutenant governor’s office tests positive for COVID-19

A part-time employee in Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth’s office, who the office said works only a handful of hours each week, tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, according to a press statement. The employee, whose work area is separated from the rest of the staff, last worked in the office on the morning of Thursday, … Continued

June 23, 2020

Overcrowded prison accounts for nearly quarter of all prison COVID-19 cases

One dangerously overcrowded prison in Alabama has nearly a quarter of all the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff. Twenty percent of all confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff and inmates in Alabama’s prisons were at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County, as of Friday, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Twenty-four workers … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 19, 2020

Alabama added to Kansas quarantine list as COVID-19 cases rise

Alabama was added to a travel ban list set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise. “Those who have traveled to the following locations need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Kansas. This applies to both Kansas residents and those visiting Kansas,” … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 19, 2020

UAB expert warns court in elections suit of possible COVID-19 spike in fall

A renowned Birmingham infectious disease physician believes Alabama needs to take precautions as elections near, and warned of a likely spike in COVID-19 cases in the fall. Dr. Michael Saag, a professor and associate dean at UAB’s School of Medicine and a leading HIV/Aid researcher and expert on infectious diseases, wrote to the Circuit Court … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 18, 2020

Jones introduces bills to strengthen telemedicine amid COVID-19 crisis

U.S. Senator Doug Jones, D-Alabama, on Thursday announced that he and a bipartisan group of colleagues introduced legislation meant to bolster telemedicine in Alabama and across the country. The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study telehealth programs and learn how they can be better used in future health emergencies. … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 18, 2020

Jones calls on state leaders to speak up about dangers of COVID-19 as cases surge

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, on Thursday called on state leaders to tell the public the truth about COVID-19, that even though we’re reopening after restrictions meant to slow its spread, the virus is “real” and “deadly” and it’s still spreading. “COVID in Alabama is still raging,” Jones said during a press conference Thursday. Jones … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 18, 2020