Vestavia Hills Coronavirus: Cancellations, Closings Announced

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL—Vestavia Hills officials announced Monday that they are taking precautionary measures to minimize the risks of spreading the coronavirus.

Following Governor Ivey’s recent state of emergency and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama, specifically Jefferson County, city officials have announced the following cancellations and postponements:

• All spring recreational sports have been postponed until at least April 6. Additionally, the recreation center is closed until at least April 6. Parks & recreation staff will re-evaluate the conditions surrounding COVID-19 at that time.
• The Library in the Forest is closed to the public until at least April 6. For more information regarding online options for utilizing the library, click here.
• Seniors are considered the most at-risk population and we want to make every effort to particularly protect their health and well-being. As such, city officials say they will continue to evaluate normal senior activities and will make adjustments as needed.
  • Meals on Wheels Program: Those who are served at New Merkel House should have been contacted with instructions to pick up prepacked meals in the New Merkel House parking lot. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Perry at mperry@vhal.org or ‭205-967-5977‬. If you are NOT serviced at New Merkel House and have questions, please contact Sandi Wilson at swilson@vhal.org or 205.978.0163.
  • Senior Transportation Program: The Senior Transportation has been suspended at this time. If you have an emergent need, please contact Sandi Wilson at swilson@vhal.org or 205.978.0163.
• The Alabama Supreme Court issued an order suspending all in-person court proceedings from March 16-April 16, 2020. As such, the Vestavia Hills Municipal Court will be closed for that period as well. If you have questions relating to an impending proceeding, visit the Municipal Court’s web page.

City hall and all city services, other than those listed above, are open and operating with normal business hours. City staff and elected officials say they are monitoring the spread of the virus closely and will make adjustments as needed based on the recommendations issued by local, state and national health departments and organizations.

According to city officials:

• Please do not call 911 or go to hospital emergency departments for the purpose of being tested for COVID-19. Testing should be reserved for those who are showing symptoms and have been directed to get the test by their physician.
• Hand washing and social distancing remain the best methods to avoid becoming infected. If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of a contagious respiratory illness and you must call 911 for a medical emergency, please inform the 911 dispatcher of your symptoms. This will allow first responders to take extra measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Drive-thru testing will be available at the Church of the Highlands Grandview Campus located at 3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243. Daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday, March 17.

"We fully understand your concerns and, as always, are continuing efforts to assure your health and well-being," city officials said in an online statement to residents.

City officials said they encourage all residents, businesses and city staff to remember:

• Cover your mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Discard used tissues immediately.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is 60–90% alcohol-based.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six-foot distance from other people.
• Stay home if you are not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Contact your doctor. Call 311 if you need connection to a medical professional.

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