Tuscaloosa Mayor Reports Mild Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox announced on Wednesday that he and his family are currently in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 this week, which comes as the number of local hospitalizations hits its highest point since February.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Maddox, who is vaccinated against the virus, said he and his loved ones are thankful to only be experiencing mild symptoms.

"We have been touched by the kindness shown by so many - Tuscaloosa is an amazing place to call home," he said on his social media platforms on Wednesday. "As for me, I am working from home, but cancelled my attendance at all events. I should return to work next week."

Maddox also had kind words for Tuscaloosa physician Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty for providing care for he and his family during this time.

"Dr. P., along with DCH, urgent care facilities, medical offices, doctors, nurses, practitioners, technicians and all our heroes in Tuscaloosa’s medical community, have done so much to keep us safe," he said. "Thank you."

While Maddox counts himself lucky for only facing mild symptoms, he is one of many who have tested positive amid a noticeable uptick in cases and hospitalizations.

The mayor's diagnosis comes as many public health experts are concerned over new variants and waning immunity provided by the vaccine — as many are approaching a year since receiving their immunizations.

Indeed, DCH Health System on Wednesday reported 28 total COVID-19 inpatients, which marks the most hospitalizations for the Tuscaloosa-based health care provider since the decline of the last surge over the winter when the hospital system recorded 31 cases on Feb. 28.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com