Analysis: How Tuscaloosa Stands As Coronavirus Restrictions Ease

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The last weekend was the first since Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey allowed the statewide mask mandate to expire, as vaccinations become more readily available and the number of new coronavirus hospitalizations and cases continues to drop.

Here is a look at some of the most important data from the state health department and other public sources, as well as some commentary to add context to the numbers.

Cases

• Total cases identified in Tuscaloosa County, including probable, since the onset of the pandemic: 17,317
• New cases identified over the weekend (May 15 & 16): 45
• Tuscaloosa County coronavirus death toll: 311
• Total number of Tuscaloosa County residents tested: 154,889
• Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School System reported a combined 21 new coronavirus cases among K-12 students over the last week, ranking Tuscaloosa County third among Alabama counties behind Madison (27) and Jefferson (23).

Patch Commentary: While no new deaths have been reported in nearly a week, the number of cases identified over the last three days (98) is the highest number seen since late March and early April. This could be due to reporting backlogs with the state health department, but will be a storyline worth keeping an eye on as events and large gatherings return without a statewide mask mandate.

Vaccinations

• Individuals who are 12 years or older are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine statewide, with appointments available at DCH Health System Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. - 5:50 p.m. (More)
• Tuscaloosa County residents have completed a coronavirus vaccination series as of Sunday: 51,549. This makes up for roughly 25% of the county's population,
• Average vaccine doses administered each day in Tuscaloosa as of May 13: 514
• The state health department says 57% of those who have received at least one vaccine shot in Tuscaloosa have been female.
• ADPH reports 17% of those vaccinated in Tuscaloosa are African-Americans, while white vaccine recipients made up nearly half (43%) of those who specified their race when receiving the shot.
• Statewide, 496,068 Alabama residents have completed their vaccine series as of Sunday.

Patch Commentary: Sunday's vaccination numbers show definite gains for Tuscaloosa County as more doses are available to a wider segment of the general population. The consensus among officials is cautiously optimistic as the number of new hospitalizations remains flat, primarily hovering in the teens, even prompting less frequency by which local numbers are published. University of Alabama students have already left Tuscaloosa for the summer, which will also have a likely impact on any potential for further community spreading as the city's population drastically decreases.

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