Are adult and youth sports teams allowed to operate?
Yes, with restrictions. Adult and youth teams are required to comply with rules listed in the Safer at Home health order. Practice for youth sports is allowed and competition can start June 15. To ...
Learn MoreAre day and overnight summer camps allowed to operate?
Yes, but they are subject to social distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Organizers of day and overnight summer camps are required to comply with rules listed in the Safer at Home health...
Learn MoreAre gyms and fitness centers open?
Effective May 11, 2020, athletic facilities—such as fitness centers and commercial gyms, spas, and yoga, barre, and spin facilities—shall open while complying with rules provided on the Safer a...
Learn MoreAre pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?
Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infecti...
Learn MoreAre schools open?
Schools will be allowed to operate June 1, 2020, but are subject to social distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Requirements and recommendations are listed in the current Safer at Home h...
Learn MoreAre swim teams (adult and youth) allowed to operate?
Yes, with restrictions. The current Safer at Home health order allows for pools to be open. Having said that, six feet of separation must always be maintained between swimmers from different househ...
Learn MoreAre there guidelines on COVID-19 in place for dental professionals?
Visit our Office of Oral Health to see the Dental Protocol for Return to Practice in Response to COVID-19 Mandates and other news related to COVID-19 for dental professionals.
Learn MoreAre tourists attractions and entertainment venues open?
Yes, with restrictions. To help prevent COVID-19 transmission, there are several things individuals and businesses can do, including wearing a mask. Entertainment venues and tourists attractions ar...
Learn MoreAre you receiving results from the drive-thru testing centers? How quickly are those results coming in?
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) gets results from the health department lab and commercial labs. An emergency rule was passed on March 6 that placed SARS-CoV-2 on the list of notifia...
Learn MoreAre youth sports teams allowed to operate?
Yes, with restrictions. Adult and youth teams are required to comply with rules listed in the Safer at Home health order. Practice for youth sports is allowed and competition can start June 15. To ...
Learn MoreCan I dine in at a restaurant or bar?
Yes, you can dine-in at a restaurant or bar. Having said that, individuals and businesses are still encouraged to always maintain six feet of separation between persons from different households. T...
Learn MoreCan I get COVID-19 from my pet?
The first case of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States was a tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after ...
Learn MoreCan I get COVID-19 from wastewater or sewage?
WHO has indicated that “there is no evidence to date that COVID-19 virus has been transmitted via sewerage systems, with or without wastewater treatment.”
Learn MoreCan I go outside? Can I play golf or tennis? Can I take my children to the playground? What about boating, hunting, and fishing?
Generally, you may go outside as long as you stay six feet apart from other people. Keep exercising and go outside---but avoid activities that increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Learn MoreCan I go swimming in a public pool?
Pools are no longer closed. Having said that, individuals and establishments (like condominiums and hotels) are still encouraged to always maintain six feet of separation between persons from diffe...
Learn MoreCan I go to a hair, nail, or tattoo salon?
Yes, you may go to a salon. Having said that, individuals and close-contact service providers are still encouraged to always maintain six feet of separation between persons from different household...
Learn MoreCan I go to church? What about weddings and funerals?
Yes, you may attend these services, but only in limited circumstances. A service can proceed in person if people are spaced at least six feet apart from one another. Or, it can be a "drive in" serv...
Learn MoreCan I go to the beach?
Under the current Safer at Home health order, effective May 11, 2020, anyone using the Alabama beaches must maintain a consistent six-foot distance between himself or herself and all persons from a...
Learn MoreCan I utilize telehealth services for COVID-19?
Telehealth can be a resource for screening and diagnosis for physicians and NPs during the COVID-19 response. Check with your provider, and they can advise you about coverage for Telehealth.
Learn MoreCan a person spread the infection if they don’t feel sick?
People are thought to be most contagious (able to spread the virus) when they are symptomatic (the sickest). That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at ...
Learn MoreCan people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?
The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune pro...
Learn MoreDo cases have to be confirmed by the CDC?
For the purpose of public health action and investigation, lab tests reported as positive by the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories or other labs are considered positive. Thus, all positive tests are ...
Learn MoreDo wastewater treatment plants treat COVID-19?
Yes, wastewater treatment plants treat viruses and other pathogens. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection. Standard treatment and disinfectant processes at wa...
Learn MoreDoes ADPH require food establishments to inform ADPH is an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 specifically?
Food establishments are under no special reporting requirements as COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness, it's a respiratory illness. However, COVID-19 is a reportable disease and the Health Departme...
Learn MoreDoes COVID-19 always present with a fever?
Fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath have been the most common symptoms of COVID-19. More recently, symptoms including chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, dia...
Learn MoreDoes total tested include results from commercial labs?
Total tested reported currently represents tests that were satisfactorily performed by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Bureau of Clinical Laboratories (BCL), along with data from com...
Learn MoreHow can I be more prepared for COVID-19?
Have an adequate supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines. Check your regular prescription drugs to ma...
Learn MoreHow do I find a testing site for testing of COVID-19?
Our COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard and COVID-19 Table provides a list of specimen collection sites. These facilities have reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) that t...
Learn MoreHow do I report a business or persons that are not following the current state health order?
Violations of the health orders should be reported to local law enforcement authorities. Violators may be subject to criminal penalties for willful non-compliance with this order. See all COVID-19 ...
Learn MoreHow does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 illness is spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets (mucous from the nose and throat) when a person who has COVID-19 illness coughs or sneezes and another person co...
Learn MoreHow does the Safer at Home Order affect retailers?
Effective May 11, 2020, all retail stores shall comply with the following rules:
Emergency maximum occupancy rate: Occupancy shall be limited to no more than 50 percent of the normal occupancy loa...
Learn MoreHow is COVID-19 transmitted?
COVID-19 illness is spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets (mucous from the nose and throat) when a person who has COVID-19 illness coughs or sneezes and another person co...
Learn MoreHow long can a person spread COVID-19?
At this time, health officials do not know when someone with COVID-19 becomes contagious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with public health agencies and scientists ...
Learn MoreHow long might a typical death investigation take in the case of a patient who died after testing positive for COVID-19?
Death investigation can take one hour or less once the medical records are received.
Learn MoreHow many employees are working on contact tracing and death investigations related to COVID-19?
The Alabama Department of Public Health has at least 85 staff members from various disease control and related backgrounds working on contact tracing and death investigations.
Learn MoreHow many people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama?
Total statewide hospitalizations can be found on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. This number is a cumulative total and will not decrease when patients are discharged from the ...
Learn MoreHow many ventilators does every hospital in Alabama have?
There are approximately 100 hospitals in Alabama. We are unable to provide specific numbers of ventilators for each facility. Ventilators are being transferred between facilities so the number any ...
Learn MoreHow much is a test for COVID-19 if I don't have insurance?
Testing through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) lab is free, but healthcare providers may charge to collect the specimen from you. Call the Alabama COVID-19 24/7 hotline at 1-888-264...
Learn MoreHow often are you updating the public on case counts and deaths?
You can see total cases and deaths organized by county of residence updated in real-time on Alabama Department of Public Health's COVID-19 website and on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance ...
Learn MoreI have questions regarding WIC?
Call our WIC Office at (334) 206-5673.
Learn MoreI heard there is a death in my county. Why does your dashboard or table not show the death?
Our deepest sympathies are with families and friends who lose loved ones during this outbreak. When a death occurs in a person who tested positive for COVID-19, the record is reviewed by an Alabama...
Learn MoreI would like to help with the response effort. How do I volunteer?
You can help in many ways, from delivering groceries to the elderly to providing legal and accounting assistance to struggling businesses. Register to help at AlTogetherAlabama.org.
Learn MoreI'm HIV positive and concerned about coronavirus. What precautions should I be taking other than social distancing?
Persons with HIV Should:
Keep at least a 30-day supply—and ideally a 90-day supply—of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other medications.
Talk to their pharmacists and/or healthcare providers ab...
Learn MoreIf a patient with a pending test dies before their result comes back, is it captured and reported?
All positive and negative COVID-19 tests are required by law to be reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health, and an investigation occurs whether the person is deceased or not.
Learn MoreIf playgrounds are closed, are parks still open otherwise? Is it still okay to exercise outside?
Yes, parks are still open, and it is still okay to exercise outside. Just do not gather with more than 10 people or with any number of people if you cannot maintain a consistent 6 feet of separation.
Learn MoreIf someone has COVID-19, what will happen to them?
The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms. Some people may be advised to recover at home and isolate themselves from others. These ind...
Learn MoreIs ADPH required to inform the public if a food establishment worker has tested positive?
The Health Department only reports the county of a positive case.
Learn MoreIs it safe to go to a shelter during a weather threat?
Decisions made to open shelters are made at the local and county level due to weather threats. The shelter and persons can take as many precautions within the shelter as possible to enhance social ...
Learn MoreIs it the public's right to know if a food service worker tested positive for an infectious disease that could have been exposed to customers, employees, and the general public?
The State Health Officer prohibited on-premises dining on March 20, 2020 to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Drive-thru or curbside pick-up minimize risk of exposure. ADPH has protocols i...
Learn MoreIs there a vaccine?
Not currently. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
Learn MoreIs there any information available on pregnancy and COVID-19?
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) has released guidance on the maternal, fetal and neonatal implications of the disease. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has ...
Learn MoreI’m a patient at a hospital. Am I at risk for COVID-19 from other patients?
We recommend people with suspected COVID-19 cases be in their own room in a healthcare setting. Healthcare workers are trained to remove their personal protective equipment (PPE) and wash their han...
Learn MoreMay I operate my childcare or daycare center?
Schools will be allowed to operate May 23, 2020, but are subject to social distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.These facilities are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation and social dista...
Learn MoreMay I operate my childcare or daycare center?
Schools will be allowed to operate May 23, 2020, but are subject to social distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.These facilities are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation and social dista...
Learn MoreMust businesses or venues that may remain open limit the number of customers inside at one time?
It depends. The order’s social-distancing rule, in paragraph 1, prohibits “non-work related gatherings” of 10 persons or more or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a...
Learn MoreQ: Where can I find the cities or zip codes of COVID-19 cases?
A: The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) continues to review data related to COVID-19. At this time, ADPH provides county level data on the COVID-19 Table or our COVID-19 Data and Surveill...
Learn MoreShould I be concerned about getting COVID-19 from products or packages shipping from China or other parts of the world?
There is ongoing research about how long the virus that causes COVID-19 can live on surfaces such as cardboard, plastic, stainless steel, and copper. There is still no indication that COVID-19 illn...
Learn MoreShould I be concerned about my pets or other animals and COVID-19?
The first case of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States was a tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after ...
Learn MoreShould I wear a face mask when I go out in public?
N95 and surgical masks should be used by healthcare workers and first responders, as they are the persons who need this high level of protection in their work. The CDC now recommends the use of clo...
Learn MoreShould I worry about COVID-19 contamination on my food?
Food hasn't been identified as a likely source of COVID-19 spread at this time. However, food safety practices routinely performed at home and work can help reduce the spread of coronavirus and oth...
Learn MoreThere is a case in my county? I have a sore throat. Should I get tested?
Our Infectious Disease and Outbreak Team (COVID-19 Investigation Team) talks to people who have COVID-19 (cases) to find out where they have been and who they have been in contact with for a specif...
Learn MoreWhat about chicken houses? Can this get into our food supply?
COVID-19 is not thought to be spread through food. However, when making food, persons should use appropriate hygiene for themselves, such as good handwashing, cleaning surfaces like countertops, re...
Learn MoreWhat about face covers for those who are hearing impaired and rely on reading lips to communicate?
The National Association of the deaf offers suggestions to aid communication for the deaf or hard of hearing. Some alternatives for persons with hearing loss include using print-outs, a dry-erase b...
Learn MoreWhat about medical procedures?
Effective April 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., medical procedures (dental, medical or surgical procedures) are allowed unless prohibited in the future by the State Health Officer to preserve resources nec...
Learn MoreWhat about non-work related gatherings under the new Safer at Home Order?
Under the current Safer at Home health order, effective May 11, 2020, all non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons from different ...
Learn MoreWhat about weddings and funerals?
Effective March 27, 2020, an order was issued stating that all gatherings of 10 persons or more, or gathering of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are pr...
Learn MoreWhat are people who receive their snap benefits at the end of the month supposed to do when there isn’t any food left?
The Food Assistance Division at the Department of Human Resources (DHR) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Alabama. Please contact DHR.
Learn MoreWhat are some things I can do to protect myself when grocery shopping?
The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends the following: make a list before you go, only send one person to the store, wipe down the shopping cart, use hand sanitizer, and leave space betw...
Learn MoreWhat are the current numbers of hospitalizations, patients in ICU, and patients on ventilators in Alabama hospitals?
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) does not receive hospital discharge data making it difficult to collect all elements on patients discharged from the hospital with COVID-19. Other inf...
Learn MoreWhat are the recommendations for individuals, especially vulnerable persons, in slowing the spread of COVID-19?
The following are recommendations for individuals under the Safer at Home health order are:
Minimizing travel outside the home, especially if sick.
Wearing face coverings around people from other ...
Learn MoreWhat are the symptoms?
Most people will have mild effects from the virus, but it can cause severe illness and pneumonia in others. People diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus reported symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exp...
Learn MoreWhat are the treatments?
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses at this time. There is ongoing medical research regarding treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Although most people will recover on ...
Learn MoreWhat are you doing to ensure the health of our garbage men?
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets (mucous from the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs) which can be spread person to person over a distance of about six feet. Persons working outside, not clos...
Learn MoreWhat changed with the amended Safer at Home order?
Governor Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home order on May 8, 2020. It is currently in effect until 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2020. Learn more at: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2020/05/governor-...
Learn MoreWhat details about cases are reported by the Alabama Department of Public Health?
The Alabama Department of Public Health is constantly reviewing and reassessing processes including data reported and its format. ADPH is currently providing demographic data on laboratory-confirme...
Learn MoreWhat do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19?
If you suspect you have COVID-19, call the Alabama COVID-19 24/7 hotline at 1-888-264-2256.
Learn MoreWhat does the investigation process for a COVID-19 death look like?
When a death occurs in a person who tested positive for COVID-19, the record is reviewed by an ADPH physician to determine factors related to deaths and whether the death is attributable to COVID-19.
Learn MoreWhat if I don’t have insurance?
Call the Alabama COVID-19 24/7 hotline at 1-888-264-2256 and ask for free or low-cost testing in your area.
Learn MoreWhat if I test positive for COVID-19?
Any person who has tested positive for COVID-19---other than institutionalized persons---shall be quarantined to their place of residence for a period of 14 days, or other period of time as directe...
Learn MoreWhat is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 a new virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. Worldwide,...
Learn MoreWhat is being done to protect employees?
Effective May 11, 2020, and unless otherwise permitted or required by this order, all employers shall take reasonable steps, where practicable as work duties permit, to protect their employees by:
...
Learn MoreWhat is coronavirus?
Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. Seven sub-groups are known to infect people, including several that cause the common cold. MERS-CoV (which causes Middle East Respiratory...
Learn MoreWhat is the current testing criteria for COVID-19?
As commercial labs have continued to increase their capacity for testing for the virus causing COVID-19 disease, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Bureau of Clinical Laboratories (BCL)...
Learn MoreWhat is the process of getting my results?
If your specimen goes to the ADPH lab for testing, when the tests are completed, the results will be sent to your physician and to ADPH. If your test is done in the ADPH lab, your doctor or healthc...
Learn MoreWhat should you do if you have symptoms?
If you have symptoms, please stay home! If the symptoms require medical attention, seek a healthcare provider. If you have been in direct contact with someone who has been confirmed with the COVID-...
Learn MoreWhat steps can employers who are reopening take to protect their employees?
Effective May 11, 2020, and unless otherwise permitted or required by this order, all employers shall take reasonable steps, where practicable as work duties permit, to protect their employees by:
...
Learn MoreWhat type of cleaning and disinfecting products should I use?
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) with regular household detergent and water. Use Environmental Protect...
Learn MoreWhen can I go back to work?
The amended Alabama Safer at Home order is currently in effect until 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2020. View it here to see what businesses and activities remain closed. Visit covid19.alabama.gov for the l...
Learn MoreWhen is Governor Ivey opening the state?
The amended Alabama Safer at Home order is currently in effect until 5 p.m. on May 22, 2020. View it here and an info sheet here. Governor Ivey announced, on April 28, 2020, the first phase of a mu...
Learn MoreWhen is someone infectious?
The onset and duration of viral shedding and period of infectiousness for COVID-19 are not yet known. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 RNA may be detectable in the upper or lower respiratory tract fo...
Learn MoreWhen people test positive, are those who have been in contact with them notified?
Yes. After the healthcare provider tells the patient that they have a positive result, ADPH contacts the patient to conduct an investigation called a contact interview. They find out where the pers...
Learn MoreWhen should I seek medical attention?
If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for the disease, you should seek medical attention immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inab...
Learn MoreWho is at risk?
Any person can contract the Coronavirus. However, certain populations are more at risk such as:
People who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or ...
Learn MoreWho is considered a “vulnerable person”?
A vulnerable person is an individual 65 years and older or individuals with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and...
Learn MoreWhy does ADPH not report a case just because the resident lives out of state?
Non-residents will not be listed in our case counts. In the event we have a resident from another state test positive in our state, we notify the Health Department in their resident state and that ...
Learn MoreWhy is it that health officials will not give us more information about who is infected?
Alabama Department of Public health (ADPH) cannot disclose patient information due to HIPAA. COVID-19 is a four-hour notifiable disease, by law, in Alabama. People who have COVID-19 (cases) are inv...
Learn MoreWhy will my doctor not test me for COVID-19?
Physicians and healthcare providers remain the best source of medical guidance for your family and you. Your healthcare professional may determine, based upon his/her clinical judgement, that you d...
Learn MoreWill ADPH report the number of recovered cases?
Data from ADPH indicates that, at this time, anywhere from 13-15% of the COVID-19 cases in Alabama are hospitalized. This means the remaining patients are at home. These patients are in various sta...
Learn MoreWill my septic system treat COVID-19?
While decentralized wastewater treatment (i.e., septic tanks) do not disinfect, EPA expects a properly managed septic system to treat COVID-19 the same way it safely manages other viruses often fou...
Learn MoreWill the numbers go down the people with COVID-19 are no longer symptomatic?
Numbers of COVID-19 cases will continue to be counted as cases. Our dashboard will always show cumulative totals.
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