MONTGOMERY-On Monday, March 23 the Alabama Department of Public health held a news conference to give updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of cases in Alabama. Lauderdale County reports 3 cases and Franklin County has reported their first case.
Dr. Scott Harris Alabama State Health Officer says there are now 196 confirmed cases of coronavirus/COVID 19 in the state, up 29 since Monday morning.
Montgomery County now has four confirmed cases. Franklin, Houston, and Tallapoosa counties have confirmed cases as well, bringing the total number of counties with confirmed cases to 24.
Dr. Harris said according to state statistics, the victims of the disease range in age from two to 97 years old, with 6 to 7 percent hospitalized. More than half of the victims are male.
Harris said Governor Kay Ivey is putting together a group to help get the state more testing materials, the lack of which is currently limiting the number of testing sites. Harris said he believes there are more cases in certain areas like Mobile but there is less testing happening there.
Right now, there are 17 ADPH sites, but the state is looking to have 25 open by the end of the week. This number does not include privately operated sites.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has activated a statewide informational hotline and a general information e-mail address to field questions from the public about the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The addition of a hotline for general questions will give the public the ability to speak with someone who can direct them to information that will lead to better informed decisions to protect their health.
The toll-free hotline and e-mail address are as follows:
· COVID-19 General Information – 800-270-7268
Telephone calls are answered from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
· The COVID-19 General Information Email address – covid19info@adph.state.al.us
In addition, a toll-free phone line provides information about available testing sites and hours of operation. This phone number is 888-264-2256. Callers will be asked for their zip code to help locate the site nearest them.
The ADPH website at alabamapublichealth.gov also offers a wealth of information and guidance about COVID-19 recommendations. Frequently asked questions are answered at http://alabamapublichealth.
We encourage the public to visit the website.
Here are the newest numbers on COVID-19 cases by county:
Baldwin – 3
Calhoun – 2
Chambers – 2
Cullman – 2
Elmore – 6
Franklin – 1
Houston – 1
Jackson – 1
Jefferson – 86
Lamar – 1
Lauderdale – 3
Lee – 19
Limestone – 1
Madison – 21
Marion – 1
Mobile – 2
Montgomery – 4
Shelby – 22
St. Clair – 3
Talladega – 1
Tallapoosa – 1
Tuscaloosa – 9
Walker – 3
Washington – 1
Total Confirmed Cases: 196
Total Counties Affected: 24/67
Total Deaths: 0
Total ADPH Tests: 1,832
1 comment
Why isn’t anyone reporting the death of one patient that was positive of coronavirus in Lauderdale county?