Alabamians Urged to Use Caution as COVID-19 Hospitalizations Reach Highest Levels Since July

State Health Officer Doctor Scott Harris is urging Alabamians not to let their guard down as confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus continue to climb.

Dr. Harris and Alabama Department of Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre are imploring residents to continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and use proper hygiene to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Recent weeks have seen COVID-19 hospitalizations reach their highest levels in the state since July, and the ADPH has been confirming more than 1,000 daily cases of COVID-19 for the past six weeks. This dramatic rise in cases and in those requiring inpatient care could place a tremendous strain on hospitals throughout the state.

To date, 3.459 Alabamians have died as a result of the novel Coronavirus, and more than 230,000 individual cases of the virus have been confirmed. 1.5% of all cases of COVID-19 have resulted in death, a rate that is 15 times higher than that of the flu.

“We are not going to get ‘a do over,’ but there are things you can do to stop the unchecked spread in many parts of Alabama,” Dr. Harris said. “Please think about it and take responsibility for your behavior.”

Caution is urged in daily life and especially when planning holiday events or travel. The latest release from the ADPH outlines additional precautions for Thanksgiving:

As an example for others, Dr. McIntyre said her family is limiting its normally large Thanksgiving gathering to a total of seven people from two households. Before each person enters, temperatures are checked, and everyone wears facial coverings unless eating. Everyone uses hand sanitizer upon entry and prior to eating. Only one person will touch all serving utensils, they will use disposable tableware, and households will eat at separate tables to ensure they are separated by more than 6 feet. Other family members will celebrate virtually from other locations.

The ADPH also encourages Alabamians to plan as many low-risk activities as possible this holiday season.