Virus Deaths in Alabama Surpass 550 With New Rules in Effect

Alabama’s death toll from the coronavirus climbed to at least 551 on Sunday, according to data from the state Department of Public Health.

There have been over 14,400 confirmed cases of the virus statewide. Close to 4,600 cases have been reported within the last 14 days.

New rules from Gov. Kay Ivey went into effect Friday at 5 p.m. allowing entertainment venues like bowling alleys, arcades, and theaters as well as child care facilities to reopen subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules. Youth sports practices have also been allowed to resume, though competition won’t begin until June 15, and summer camps are now allowed to open.

For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The changes come as a recent Associated Press analysis of testing data from The COVID Tracking Project showed the situation in Alabama worsening. The data analyzed included counts through May 20. During the 14 days prior, the number of new daily cases rose while the positivity rate of tests increased.

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