16 Deaths, More Than 600 Coronavirus Cases In Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As Alabama's stay-at-home order is a couple of weeks from ending, the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state continues to rise. As of Tuesday afternoon, the state reported more than 3,900 cases, with 620 of those in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County also reported 16 deaths, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Statewide nearly 500 people have been hospitalized from the illness, with 114 reported deaths..

The number of COVID-19 patients at UAB Hospital Tuesday raised to 43, up from 39 Monday.

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Mobile County has seen a fast increase in cases and fatalities from the coronavirus, and now has more reported deaths than any other county.

Here are the counties with the most reported cases:

• Jefferson County: 620 confirmed cases; 6,293 total tests; 16 reported deaths
• Mobile County: 497 confirmed cases; 2,626 total tests; 17 reported deaths
• Lee County: 259 confirmed cases; 1,542 total tests; 10 reported deaths
• Shelby County: 232 confirmed cases; 1,587 total tests; 7 reported deaths
• Chambers County: 213 confirmed cases; 565 total tests; 8 reported deaths

Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey said she is working with members of the state's congressional delegation to come up with a schedule for re-opening the economy. Ivey stressed the importance of continuing to shelter in place and practice social distancing.

She said re-opening the economy will be a slow process.

"I cannot overemphasize the importance of what we are doing," Ivey said. "Now is not the time to let our guard down. We have been working on a plan for several weeks, but this is not a simple process, not like flipping on a light switch."

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