The coronavirus pandemic is one of the deadliest health crises the U.S. has ever faced, forcing statewide shutdowns and quarantines across the country, including Alabama.
State responses to the pandemic have varied, as determined by state governors, leaving some states to fare better against the virus than others. Alabama has had less strict guidelines than many states and because of that, ranks the state with the #5 least improved health during the health crisis.
Alabama’s health during coronavirus (1= most improved; 25= avg.):
- 32nd – Death rate this week
- 48th – Positive COVID-19 testing rate this week
- 46th – COVID-19 current estimated transmission number*
- 41st – COVID-19 hospitalization rate this week
*Estimates the average number of people to whom an infected person will transmit COVID-19.
Here’s how Alabama compares with the rest of the country:
Alabama’s history of response to COVID-19
On March 13, Alabama announced its first known cases of coronavirus. That same day, Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the virus, and announced all schools would be closed from March 18 until April 6. On March 27, all “non-essential businesses” in the state were ordered to be closed until April 17 in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Then on April 3, Ivey ordered a Stay at Home Order, effective April 4, requiring Alabama residents to stay home as much as possible.
Ivey later extended the order easing several restrictions. On May 22, new rules were put in place, which are set to expire Friday, July 3. Ivey is now debating whether or not to extend the order or tighten up restrictions as coronavirus cases are once again on the rise statewide.
