COVID-19

News / Health / State

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

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

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

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

March 22, 2020

The numbers show COVID-19 could cripple Alabama’s hospitals

Even in the best-case scenarios, we could run out of ICU beds. In the worst, thousands could be without a bed. Will this crisis cripple our hospitals? Read more here

Chip Brownlee

March 22, 2020

How do I apply for unemployment in Alabama?

Unemployment is surging in Alabama as businesses across the country have been forced close because of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Just last week, more than 9,000 people applied for unemployment compensation in the state, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Workers who lose their jobs because … Continued

Chip Brownlee

March 22, 2020

Confirmed COVID-19 case at Irondale Community School

The Irondale Community School has a confirmed case of COVID-19, Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin Jr. announced Saturday. In a letter posted to the City of Irondale’s Facebook page, Gonsoulin said an individual at the school tested positive for the virus, and that students and employees at the school may have been exposed. The … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

March 21, 2020

Families, advocates ask Alabama to release at-risk inmates amid COVID-19 outbreak

When Amber Faircloth learned Thursday of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in an Alabama prison, she worried that her husband, who has cancer, could be in jeopardy. Her husband, who’s serving time at Limestone prison, is one of more than 1,000 inmates most at risk of serious complications or death if the virus spreads … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

March 21, 2020

Alabama prisons halt intakes from county jails during COVID-19 outbreak

The Alabama Department of Corrections on Friday announced a 30-day moratorium on taking in inmates from the county jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ADOC on Thursday said an administrative employee in a prison tested positive for the virus, and that all staff who came into contact with the person are under a 14-day quarantine. It … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

March 20, 2020

Governor: Ban on gatherings of 25 or more does not apply to businesses

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health said Friday that a public health order issued Thursday is not meant to apply to work-related gatherings of 25 people or more. “In order to keep Alabama going, we must keep Alabama businesses going to the best of our abilities,” Ivey said. “I fully support … Continued

Chip Brownlee

March 20, 2020