New Jefferson County Coronavirus Cases Down To 60 Per Day

BIRMINGHAM, AL — While new COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County are still being reported, the state's largest county has seen a significant decrease in the average number of new cases reported over the last week.

The Jefferson County Department of Health reports that the county is averaging 60 new COVID-19 cases per day over the last 7 days. By comparison, the county averaged 150 new cases per day for the first week of March.

Also over the last seven days, the county has confirmed 13 deaths from COVID-19. During the first week of March, the county reported 29 deaths from the virus.

Much of the decrease in new cases can be attributed to the uptick in vaccines distributed to people in the county over the last two months. Almost 1,131,000 people have received one or more doses of the vaccine and 662,638 people have received a completed series of vaccinations.

The Alabama Department of Public Health Monday opened vaccine eligibility to anyone over the age of 16.

"I have committed to the people of Alabama that we are on a path forward, and while there is more work to be done, I remain hopeful and optimistic in where we are going," Gov. Kay Ivey said Friday. "Recent findings from the CDC show preliminary data suggesting that vaccinated individuals do not appear to be spreading the virus, so that is hopeful, underscores the effectiveness of the vaccine and is yet another reason to get the shot."

Ivey added, "Truly, this vaccine is our ticket back to normal life. We are so close to getting COVID-19 in the rearview, and until then, we should all keep wearing our masks, get vaccinated and use the common sense the good Lord gave us."

Ivey's mandatory mask order expires Friday, although many businesses in the state will likely choose to require face coverings beyond the expiration of the statewide order. In fact, the Birmingham City Council is considering a city-wide mask order that will extend until May 24.

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