More Than 5,700 Coronavirus Cases In Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Coronavirus cases in Alabama saw an increase of more than 200 in 24 hours between midday Wednesday and noon Thursday. This increase comes with the number of tests administered remaining the same over that time span.

Close to 800 people have been hospitalized in the state for the coronavirus. The increase in cases does not bode well for businesses reopening after Gov. Kay Ivey's stay-at-home order expires at the end of April. Ivey said she would like to see a consistemt decrease in cases for at least 10 days, and the last two days have shown an increase in cases.

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The counties with the most coronavirus cases as of Tuesday afternoon:

• Mobile County: 792 confirmed cases; 3,906 total tests; 38 deaths
• Jefferson County: 766 confirmed cases; 9,094 total tests; 31 deaths
• Lee County: 333 confirmed cases; 2,102 total tests; 20 deaths
• Shelby County: 280 confirmed cases; 2,268 total tests; 7 deaths
• Chambers County: 274 confirmed cases; 796 total tests; 16 deaths
• Marshall County: 256 confirmed cases; 923 total tests; 4 deaths
• Montgomery County: 256 confirmed cases; 1,777 total tests; 3 deaths

testing in the state remains a barrier for reopening Alabama's economy, as 48,387 tests have been administered in the state since mid-March, representing less than 1 percent of the state's population.

Ivey and health officials say Alabamians need to practice social distancing procedures and to wear masks if in public. Jefferson County Department of Health Director Dr. Mark Wilson said in a press conference Tuesday that he has seen good social distancing in the area, for the most part.

"As much as possible people need to wear some type of face covering in public which means a cloth mask, a cotton covering or a bandana," Wilson said. "Getting it right now is the only way of getting back to business."

SEE ALSO:

• Coronavirus Meal Finder Map: Kids Can Eat Free In Birmingham
• Miles College To Only Offer Online Courses During Summer Semester
• Alabama Coronavirus: No Change In Governor's Stay-At-Home Order