Alabama Sees Highest Number Of New COVID-19 Cases Ever

MONTGOMERY, AL — As the state of Alabama begins its next phase of reopening the economy, the Alabama Department of Public Health reported 355 new coronavirus cases Thursday, the highest number of new cases reported in a single day since the pandemic began.

In fact, two of the three highest daily totals for new cases were reported in the last four days. As of Friday evening, Alabama has 9,375 cases of COVID-19, and has confirmed 383 fatalities from the virus.

The state has administered 111,396 tests, and 1,215 patients have been hospitalized with the virus.

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Jefferson County confirmed 30 new cases Friday, which brings the county's total number of cases to 1,089. Marshall County saw a significant spike in cases Friday, reporting 40 new cases.

Here are the counties with the most cases of COVID-19 as of Friday evening:

• Mobile County: 1,403 confirmed cases; 10,132 total tests; 81 deaths
• Jefferson County: 1,089 confirmed cases; 18,133 total tests; 59 deaths
• Montgomery County: 532 confirmed cases; 3,653 total tests; 15 deaths
• Marshall County: 525 confirmed cases; 3,101 total tests; 8 deaths
• Lee County: 419 confirmed cases; 3,405 total tests; 30 deaths

Gov. Kay Ivey Friday announced that she is extending the "stay-at-home" order to May 22, but has amended the order for some local businesses. Although cases of COVID-19 continue to spread, Ivey said she believes opening this phase of local businesses can help the economy recover and — with social distancing — can prevent another outbreak.

Under the amended order:

• Churches may reopen and hold services but with social distancing guidelines
• Restaurants can open at 50 percent occupancy rate.
• Barber shops and salons, will be able to open with social distancing restrictions
• Gyms, athletic facilities may open, but with social distancing guidelines.

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson, however, will recommend that people refrain from having public gatherings with 10 or more people, including churches, for at least another 2 weeks.

Several health experts at UAB have said they do not see enough data to suggest moving forward to the next step in reopening the economy.

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