Health

We weren’t ready for mental, physical toll of COVID-19, experts say — and it’s not over yet

When Dr. Ken Duckworth learned that a reporter interviewing him was from Alabama, the first thing he thought of was college football.  “The absence of college football is not a mental health problem, but it takes away one of my favorite things in life,” said Duckworth, chief medical officer at the National Alliance on Mental … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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May 19, 2020

Will in-person graduation ceremonies pose a risk?

After Alabama relaxed rules last week that limited crowds to 10 people or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19, multiple schools are now planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies.  Gatherings of any size are now allowed as long as people from different households stay at least 6 feet apart. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

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May 18, 2020

Opinion

Opinion

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Is there no middle ground on coronavirus?

So, what’s the plan for living with COVID-19?  It would be nice to have a plan, wouldn’t it? Something that falls between “REOPEN EVERYTHING NOW!!!!!” and “SHUT IT ALL DOWN UNTIL IT’S SAFE!!!!” for those of us sane people who understand that life in the coming months will almost certainly have to fall somewhere in … Continued

Josh Moon

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May 18, 2020

Alabama health officer: Numbers “are not headed in the right direction”

People must remain vigilant and careful as more businesses reopen and people return to more normal activity, Alabama’s top public health officials say, because the threat from COVID-19 has not dissipated. “I would say we’re really concerned,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris in an interview with APR. “The numbers are not headed in … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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May 17, 2020

Governor, state health officer urge Montgomery residents to stay vigilant as cases rise

Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris urged Alabamians, especially those in Montgomery County, to stay vigilant and exercise caution as the county and surrounding areas have been identified as a potential COVID-19 “hot spot.” Over the last seven days, 232 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Montgomery County, bringing the … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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May 15, 2020

Alabama rape crisis centers ready to help amid COVID-19 crisis

An Alabama nonprofit wants those who need assistance after a sexual assault to know that the COVID-19 crisis hasn’t shuttered the state’s rape crisis centers, which are still providing care and are ready to help.  Alabama Coalition Against Rape’s (ACAR) 16 member crisis centers across the state continue to provide care for victims after sexual … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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May 15, 2020

More COVID-19 cases at Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatric Center

Three more patients at the state’s Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatric Center have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to eight. Two nurses at the facility have also tested positive for the virus, and tests are pending for other patients.  The Alabama Department of Mental Health learned Thursday of the latest confirmed cases of … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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May 15, 2020

Alabama doctors report suspected cases of COVID-19 related illness in children

The state health officer said Friday that several doctors in Alabama have called the Department of Public Health about possible cases of the mysterious Kawasaki-like inflammatory illness in children related to COVID-19. So far, the state health department has not officially confirmed any cases of the illness, but Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, … Continued

Chip Brownlee

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May 15, 2020

Two prison workers test positive for coronavirus

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6 p.m. Friday to clarify the number of confirmed cases. ADOC mistakenly counted one confirmed case of a staff member twice.  Two more workers in Alabama prisons have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.  One worker at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women and … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

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May 15, 2020