Coronavirus In Alabama: 28 Cases; Birmingham-Area Schools Close

At least 28 cases of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, have been confirmed in Alabama as of 1 p.m. Monday, with the majority of those cases in Jefferson County, according to the latest numbers from the Alabama Department of Public Health.

In Jefferson County, there are currently 17 cases, health officials said.

The state reported its first case of the respiratory illness on Friday and additional cases have since been confirmed. Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency on Friday, mandating the closure of all K-12 schools starting on March 18.

However, Birmingham schools are closed starting March 16 with an anticipated re-opening date of April 6. During the closure, there will be meal services for Birmingham students between 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. From Monday to Wednesday, there will be grab-and-go options and beginning Thursday, there will be expanded meal services.

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The following school systems in the Birmingham area are also closed starting Monday:

Hoover City Schools: Closed March 16-April 6

Mountain Brook Schools: Closed March 16-April 6

Vestavia Hills City Schools: Closed March 16-April 6

Jefferson County Schools: Closed March 16-April 6

The schools closures in Alabama come as the coronavirus outbreak disrupts normal life across the United States with cancellations of major sporting events, festivals and conventions in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. On Sunday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that for the next eight weeks, gatherings where 50 people or more are present should be canceled or postponed.

"Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities," the agency wrote. "Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies."

Locally, out-of-state travel has been suspended for Birmingham city employees and in-person proceedings at the Birmingham Municipal Court have been suspended from March 16-April 16. The Birmingham Museum of Art and all Birmingham Public Library locations have also closed.

Anyone who suspects they might have COVID-19 should call their health care provider, according to advice from state health officials. Those who do not have a health care provider can call 1-888-264-2256. Officials said if the line is busy, callers should try again.

Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease are at higher risk from the coronavirus.

>>> Information from the CDC on the coronavirus and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the illness.

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