Alabama coronavirus cases reached nearly 450 on Thursday, a day after the state reported its first death related to the disease.
The number of confirmed cases in the state swelled to 449 with nearly a third of those in Jefferson County, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Kay Ivey and state health officials on Wednesday confirmed that a person in Jackson County died from the COVID-19 disease. The patient had underlying health problems and passed away in a facility outside the state of Alabama, the Health Department said. The Jackson County Commission said the person was a part-time employee at the county courthouse and they are having the area cleaned before employees return to work.
“I continue to urge everyone that this virus is real, it is deadly, and we should continue to maintain social-distancing as much as possible. Together, we will overcome these challenges and difficult days,” Ivey said in a statement issued Wednesday night.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Alabama has closed schools through at least April 5; ordered all restaurants to end on-site dining; closed public and private beaches and prohibited non-work gatherings of more than 25 people where people can’t stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
Birmingham on Tuesday approved a “shelter in place” ordinance through April 3, directing people to stay inside unless going out for food, medicine, exercise or essential services. Health officials in Jefferson County, where Birmingham is located, had previously ordered the closure of non-essential businesses.
The city of Tuscaloosa said it would institute a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew beginning Friday.
Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
