MONTGOMERY-Based on a reduction in telephone call volume after hours, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has shortened the operating hours of its statewide informational hotline for general COVID-19 questions. Effective June 15, the toll-free line will be available from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., seven days a week. If the need presents itself, hours can be readjusted quickly.
The hotline allows the public the ability to speak with someone who can provide information or direct them to a contact who can assist them. A general information email option is also available during these hours.
The toll-free hotline number and e-mail address are as follows:
· COVID-19 General Information – 800-270-7268
· The COVID-19 General Information Email address – covid19info@adph.state.al.us
In addition, a toll-free phone line will continue to provide information about available testing sites and hours of operation statewide. This phone number is 888-264-2256. Callers are asked for their zip code to help locate the site nearest them.
The ADPH website at alabamapublichealth.gov also offers information and guidance about COVID-19 recommendations. Frequently asked questions are answered at alabamapublichealth.gov/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama Department of Public Health, and its vendor have resolved issues related to delays in the national surveillance system. Delays affect the number of cases and tested reported on the COVID-19 data and surveillance dashboard at alabamapublichealth.gov.
As a result of a reporting backlog, the dashboard appears to display sizeable increases in all numbers. The reason is that there has been a lag time in adding some reports.
The national surveillance pipeline became overwhelmed earlier this week due to a large increase in the volume of COVID-19 laboratory results. ADPH staff worked tirelessly with CDC and its vendor to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
Media Release/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH/Karen Landers, M.D.
