Alabama on Monday topped 5,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus as the state weighs a decision on whether to extend closure orders past April 30.
The Alabama Department of Public Health said Monday that the state had 5,008 known cases of COVID-19. There had been 113 confirmed deaths and the state was investigating an additional 50 deaths in COVID-19 patients.
The state’s current stay home order, which has closed many nonessential businesses, lasts through April 30.
Kay Ivey’s office said the governor and State Health Officer Scott Harris will be reviewing and announcing a plan on or before April 28. Ivey is set to receive input from the state’s congressional delegation this week.
A Birmingham City Council member on Monday asked health officials to release additional information about COVID-19 cases by zip code. He also said there needs to be additional testing to track the spread of the virus.
“We are going to have to expand testing sites and the testing in order to open up the economy,” Birmingham City Councilman William Parker said.
The state has said that more than 500 patients and employees in long-term care facilities have tested positive for the virus. Alabama health officials announced Friday that the Alabama National Guard would help disinfect nursing homes that have COVID-19 positive residents.
Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
