Are 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 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 you receiving results from the drive-thru testing centers? How quickly are those results coming in?
The Alabama Department of Public Health gets results from the health department lab and commercial labs. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) from providers and all Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-asso...
Learn MoreCan I get COVID-19 from my pet?
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have been no reports ...
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 get my flu vaccine at the same time I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines should not be given at the same time. Because of a lack of data on getting COVID-19 & other vaccines together, CDC recommends a 14-day interval before or after getting any other vaccines, ...
Learn MoreCan I travel outside the United States? What are the restrictions?
The CDC provides Travel Health Notices where you can search by country and Travel Recommendations by Destination.
Learn MoreCan I travel to any city within the U.S.? What are the restrictions?
The CDC Travel Planner allows you to enter a city, zip code, or address to learn more about COVID-19 travel restrictions, guidance, and resources in your destination.
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 I “mix” doses of two kinds of COVID-19 vaccines?
The COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. If two doses of different mRNA COVID-19 vaccine products are inadvertently administered, no additional doses of either product are recommended at this...
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 children take the COVID-19 vaccine?
A COVID-19 vaccine may not be available for young children until more studies are completed. The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for 16 and older. Currently, our coun...
Learn MoreCan people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?
The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with SARSCoV 2 infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but the duration of protection from natural disea...
Learn MoreCan someone volunteer to assist with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Thank you for wanting to help with the state's vaccine rollout efforts. The Alabama Department of Public Health is actively recruiting and welcoming volunteers to assist with COVID-19 vaccinat...
Learn MoreDid people of all backgrounds participate in the clinical trials? Were the vaccines effective for people of all races and ethnicities?
In the Moderna vaccine trial, 20% of participants identified as Latino, 10% identified as Black and 4% Asian. In the Pfizer trial, 13% of participants identified as Latino, 10% identified as Black ...
Learn MoreDo I still need to quarantine after being exposed to COVID, even if I have had COVID or been vaccinated?
CDC guidance indicates that fully vaccinated people can refrain from quarantine and testing if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 after contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you have not bee...
Learn MoreDo I still need to wear a mask when I am vaccinated and respect social distance?
CDC guidance states that fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart. CDC guidance also says that fully vaccinated peo...
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 report a case when 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 MoreDoes ADPH report the number of recovered cases?
Presumed recoveries are provided and updated on Wednesdays on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. Cases are presumed recovered if it has been 14 days or more since the case tested...
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 Alabama have a contact tracing or exposure notification app available to the public?
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and MotionMobs, using technology from a collaboration between Apple and Google, developed...
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 do I report if I have a problem or bad reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination?
CDC and FDA encourage the public to report possible side effects (called adverse events) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This national system collects these data to look for ...
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 effective are the vaccines? Will they really reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and complications?
In Phase 3 trials, the Pfizer vaccine showed a 95% efficacy rate 7 days after the second dose. The Moderna vaccine showed a 94% efficacy rate 14 days after the second dose. The J&J/Janssen vaccine ...
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, it appears that persons can shed SARSCoV 2 virus about 2 days before becoming ill and up to 8 days after symptoms onset. CDC has recently changed the home isolation for known cases of...
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 long will my immunity last after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness. Both natural immunity and immunity produced by a vaccine are important aspects of ...
Learn MoreHow long will my immunity last?
We don't know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also r...
Learn MoreHow many COVID-19 vaccines are in development?
A: Currently, three vaccines are authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19:
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine
Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
Learn MoreHow many employees are working on contact tracing and death investigations related to COVID-19?
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has at least 404 persons working in the COVID-19 investigative response, including contact tracing. Some persons working are ADPH employees from vario...
Learn MoreHow many people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama?
Total statewide daily and cumulative hospitalizations can be found on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. Our Daily Hospitalizations of COVID-19 Patients graph provides daily numb...
Learn MoreHow many shots of COVID-19 vaccine will be needed?
The J&J/Janssen vaccine only requires one dose. Pfizer-BioNTech requires two doses and should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart. Moderna requires two doses and should be given 1 month (28 days) apar...
Learn MoreHow much does a COVID-19 vaccine cost? Will my insurance cover it?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be free to all Americans. However, recipients of COVID-19 vaccine may be subject to an administration fee charge. Please contact your healthcare provider or health insuran...
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 1-800-270-7268 and ask for testing in your are...
Learn MoreHow often are you updating the public on case counts and deaths?
For cases, deaths, and total tested by county of residence, and testing sites, visit the Alabama COVID-19 Table or the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. The dashboard also includes ...
Learn MoreHow old do you have to be to get vaccinated against COVID-19?
The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for 16 and older.Currently, our county health departments are giving the Moderna vaccine. Other providers, such as hospitals and s...
Learn MoreI already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get a vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. You should not be required to have an antibody test before you are vaccinated. However, anyon...
Learn MoreI have allergies and have had a reaction to other vaccines. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for me?
The CDC provides recommendations for people who have had allergic reactions to other vaccines and for those with other types of allergies. Visit COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions for more in...
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 the Alabama Dashboard and 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 tested positive 2 weeks ago, was feeling better but now my symptoms are worsening, is this normal? What should I do?
It is not unusual for symptoms to worsen the second or third week after improving or going away. If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for the disease, you should seek medical attenti...
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 MoreIf I developed COVID 19 after my first dose of vaccine, when can I take my second dose?
Persons who have had COVID 19 after their first vaccine should complete their full 10 day isolation period and have improved symptoms, including no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medicin...
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 taking the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
The vaccine is not mandatory; however, it can help prevent disease and reduce disease severity, especially anyone who is in a higher risk group, or who lives, works, or socializes with anyone who i...
Learn MoreIs the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. The Advi...
Learn MoreIs there a vaccine?
Two vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). For more information on vaccine plans and availability in Alabama, visit COVID-19 Vaccine.
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?
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 Alabama COVID-19 Table and the Alabama COVID-19 Dat...
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?
A: On July 15, 2020, a Statewide Mask Requirement was issued You have to wear a mask when you are in public and in close contact with other people.
N95 and surgical masks should be used by healthca...
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 MoreShould someone who lives with an autoimmune disorder or has previously had Guillain-Barre syndrome or Bell’s palsy get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Making sure COVID-19 vaccines protect people with certain underlying medical conditions is important. Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe i...
Learn MoreThere is a case in my county? 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 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 (ADPH) recommends the following: make a list before you go, only send one person to the store, wipe down the shopping cart, wear a cloth face covering, use h...
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) reports hospitalization data daily at 3 p.m. on the Alabama COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. This information is from the Alabama Incident Ma...
Learn MoreWhat are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccine?
Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. Side effects may feel like flu and even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Often tim...
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 outpatient treatments for COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 at this time. There is ongoing medical research regarding treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and some inpatient treat...
Learn MoreWhat changed with the amended Safer at Home order?
Governor Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home order on May 21, 2020. It is currently in effect until 5:00 p.m. on July 3, 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. We are currently providing demographic data on laboratory-confirmed...
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 Alabama Department of Public Health physician to determine factors related to deaths and whether the d...
Learn MoreWhat if I don’t have insurance?
Call 1-800-270-7268 and ask for free or low-cost testing in your area. Telephone calls are answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Interpreters are available.
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 his or her place of residence for a period of time specified by the State Health Off...
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 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 July 3, 2020. View it here to see what businesses and activities remain closed. Visit covid19.alabama.gov or http:/...
Learn MoreWhen can I take the vaccine if I have had COVID 19?
Persons who have had COVID 19 can wait for at least 90 days before they take their vaccine. This is because it is not common to be able to be reinfected with COVID 19 prior to 90 days after illness.
Learn MoreWhen is Governor Ivey opening the state?
The amended Alabama Safer at Home order is currently in effect until 5 p.m. on July 3, 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 appears to be about 2 days before onset of illness and up to 8 days after symptom onset. It is possible that SARS-...
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
Inabili...
Learn MoreWhere can I find data on how many doses have been allocated, delivered and administered in Alabama?
Alabama's COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard (shortened link: arcg.is/OrCey) details the number of vaccines allocated and delivered to Alabama and dispensed.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution ...
Learn MoreWhere can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Visit Vaccine Home to learn how to get vaccinated. View the Alabama COVID‐19 Vaccination Allocation Plan which defines populations and the order in which they will receive vaccine in four phases....
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 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 were the vaccines developed so fast? I’m concerned that these vaccines did not undergo enough testing as other vaccines.
The speed of Covid-19 vaccine development is not a result of compromised safety or quality. The vaccine process is happening faster because research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing,...
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 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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