Coronavirus: 372 Cases, 9 Deaths Reported In Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The number of deaths in Jefferson County caused by complications related to the new coronavirus climbed to nine Saturday, nearly doubling from just 24 hours earlier, according to Alabama Public Health's coronavirus surveillance dashboard. The number of confirmed cases in the county also jumped to 372, a nearly 30-case increase from the day prior.

The increase comes a day after Gov. Kay Ivey finally issued such an order in Alabama on Friday afternoon. The order goes into effect at 5 p.m. Saturday and continues through April 30.

"April stands to be very tough and potentially a very deadly month for our state," Ivey said Friday. "I can't say this anymore clearly. COVID-19 is an imminent threat to our way of life. We are past urging you to stay at home — it is now the law."

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Under the ordinance, residents will are asked to remain at home and only leave for essential purposes. Those purposes include:

• Work
• Visiting essential businesses like grocery stores, financial institutions and gas stations
• Retrieving curbside pickup from restaurants
• Attending doctor's appointments
• Exercising outside — including biking, hiking and running – as long as they stay at least 6 feet away from others

Statewide, the number of coronavirus cases is approaching 1,600, a nearly 200-case increase from Friday. The state also reported nine additional deaths for a total of 43.

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