Alabama coronavirus update: State officials urge citizens stay six feet apart, adopt new guidelines

Dr. Scott Harris of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) gave a press conference Monday morning in which he updated the public on the current state of the coronavirus pandemic in Alabama.

Harris said that as of 10:00 a.m. CT Monday morning Alabama has 22 confirmed coronavirus cases, with over half of those in Jefferson County.

He added that the larger number is because Jefferson County has a large population and the most available testing capacity. You can always stay up-to-date with the ADPH’s list of cases and their locations here.

The one thing Harris emphasized most strongly was that all Alabamians need to stay at least six feet away from all strangers when out in public.

Harris believes that social-distancing practice is the single most effective thing people can do to prevent the spread of the disease.

Restaurants and other institutions that serve the public are being asked to restrict their capacity to 50% of normal capacity and maintain a six-foot distance between all persons present.

Harris also recommended that all daycares close until the state of the pandemic changes.

Details relayed at the press conference were that the ADPH currently has 20 screening sites planned in various parts of Alabama, and they are currently staffing up those locations.

When ready, the screening sites will be able to collect samples from citizens whose doctors have recommended a test. The samples are then shipped to labs where the tests are actually conducted.

Harris said at the briefing, “We do not have any issues with test capacity.” He then assured the public that most results are returned in 24 hours or less, and none take longer than 72 hours.

“We would ask people that aren’t symptomatic avoid getting tested,” advised Harris.

He believes that will allow the testing apparatus to maintain efficiency.

The ADPH provided an update on the one patient confirmed to have coronavirus in Lee County. According to Harris, the person was a hospital employee.

ADPH employees are investigating the case and attempting to communicate with anyone they determine came into contact with the infected hospital worker.

Harris relayed that the ADPH is adopting the guidelines formulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Those guidelines, as posted on the ADPH’s website as follows:

No mass gatherings of 50 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between participants (with exceptions noted below). This may include festivals, parades, assemblies, or sporting events.
Senior adults or those with chronic health problems should avoid gatherings (outside of close family) of 10 or more persons, and should avoid travel by air, train or bus.
For retail business, including restaurants, limit patronage at any one time to 50% of the normally allowable capacity. Restaurants should maintain a six-foot distance between tables.
Public buildings should consider whether visitation may be limited. Hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are encouraged to implement visitation policies that protect vulnerable persons.
All persons should consider whether out-of-state travel plans may be delayed or canceled.
Participants in religious services or events, weddings, funerals, and family events should exercise prudence and maintain consistent six-foot distance between participants if possible.

The Alabama Nursing Home Association this weekend released an update on policies related to their industry.

For updated information on coronavirus, Alabamians should continue to monitor the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website here and the CDC’s website here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.