COVID-19

Health

Analysis | Alabama is going to need more ventilators. It seems to have no plan

It has been less than two weeks since Alabama reported its first positive case of the new novel coronavirus. Since then, the number has jumped to 242 positive cases. There are sure to be more. Several hospitals across the state, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health, are already nearing their capacity. At any … Continued

Chip Brownlee

March 24, 2020

Opinion

Former industrial workers are among the high-risk groups for COVID-19

The novel coronavirus has been rapidly spreading worldwide, affecting everyone’s lives more than we’d have expected – from stress and anxiety, having to practice social distancing and therefore isolate inside the house to the illness itself. And it’s with good reason that most people are concerned about it, as the disease can have serious complications … Continued

Gregory A. Cade

March 24, 2020

Opinion

How the coronavirus can upend a life in just a few days

The direct message on Twitter came from a familiar name, which made the contents a bit more unsettling. My cousin, Payton, was writing to let me know that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he had all the symptoms — fever, a cough, achy all over. And he had been in and out of … Continued

Josh Moon

March 24, 2020

Sewell introduces bill to help rural hospitals during coronavirus pandemic

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, joined with Tennessee Republican Rep. Phil Roe and Washington Democratic Rep. Kim Schrier to introduce bipartisan legislation to provide relief for rural medical hospitals and clinics during the COVID-19 crisis. Sponsors claim that the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act is necessary relief for rural hospitals and medical … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 24, 2020

Alabama Republicans upset with Jones’ “no” vote on coronavirus stimulus bill

Alabama Republican leaders on Monday condemned U.S. Sen. Doug Jones’ procedural vote to prevent the coronavirus stimulus bill from coming to a vote. On Sunday, Democrats blocked action on the comprehensive stimulus package — the third of the legislative response to the coronavirus outbreak. The bill is still being negotiated and the vote was not … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 24, 2020

Hightower campaign accuses Carl of trying to politicize a national crisis

Bill Hightower’s congressional campaign Monday responded to charges from Jerry Carl that they were running campaign ads during the COVID-19 crisis. The campaign said that they have already pulled their political advertising and accused Carl of trying to politicize a national crisis. “Bill Hightower has not been airing ads for nearly a week now,” said … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 24, 2020

Secretary of state reminds Alabamians they can vote absentee

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill on Monday reminded Alabamians they can vote by absentee ballot following the postponement of the March 31 primary runoff election to July 14 amid the COVID-19 outbreak. “Amid coronavirus concerns, it is important to remember that Alabamians who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness have the opportunity … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

March 23, 2020

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

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

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

March 23, 2020