Nearly 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases Reported In Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alabama Department of Public Health reported 5,500 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, with 995 of those cases reported in Jefferson County. As well, the state reported that a record 3,064 patients are currently hospitalized with the virus in Alabama.

Jefferson County has already confirmed 25 COVID-19 deaths in January, and has averaged 669 new cases of COVID-19 each day over the last week.

Jefferson County's hospitals are filling up, with hospitals reporting an average of 74 percent capacity. The hospitals in Jefferson County's capacity percentage as of Monday:

• Brookwood Baptist Medical Center: 74 percent capacity (15 percent COVID-19 patients)
• Grandview Medical Center: 63 percent capacity (16 percent COVID-19 patients)
• Lloyd Nolan Hospital: 93 percent capacity (no data available regarding COVID-19 patients)
• Princeton Baptist Medical Center: 60 percent capacity (25 percent COVID-19 patients)
• St Vincent's Birmingham: 73 percent capacity (19 percent COVID-19 patients)
• St Vincent's East: 83 percent capacity (23 percent COVID-19 patients)
• UAB Hospital: 84 percent capacity (19 percent COVID-19 patients)
• UAB Medical West: 71 percent capacity (31 percent COVID-19 patients)

Alabama has administered 42,810 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine of the 226,250 doses allocated for the state. However, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement Tuesday reminding Alabamians that while the vaccine is effective, continuing to wear face coverings and using social distancing guidelines are still necessary.

"I'm optimistic COVID-19 vaccines will help us to overcome the pandemic, but we must not forget to take daily precautions until more are distributed," Ivey said. "Masks, proper hygiene and social distancing are all important in mitigating the spread. Please practice personal responsibility."

SEE ALSO:

• UAB Researcher Develops Technology To Aid Coronavirus Vaccine Immunity Monitoring
• Birmingham Mayor Hospitalized With COVID-19 Pneumonia
• Birmingham Ranked Among Cities Most In Need Of COVID-19 Vaccine