DCH Regional Medical Center opened a drive through testing facility for the Covid-19, the disease that is caused by the new coronavirus, Monday, March 16, 2020, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Governor Kay Ivey has extended the restrictions currently in place for Jefferson County and five surrounding counties to include the entire state. Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said the city will be enforcing the restrictions.

• All gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited.
• Any restaurant, bar, brewery or similar establishments shall not permit on-premise consumption of food or drink. Governor Ivey continues to encourage patrons to visit their local eateries for take-out or delivery provided the social distancing protocols include maintaining a consistent six-foot distance between persons are followed.
• Preschools and childcare centers will be closed effective at close of school or business today. This shall not apply to licensed childcare centers that provide services exclusively to employees with: State and Local Governments, First Responders (including EMS and Fire Services), Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities), End Stage Renal Disease Treatment Centers, Pharmacies and grocery stores.
• Effective immediately, all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity and end-of-life.
• All elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed, effective immediately.

“Despite our best efforts, the threat of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread and, unfortunately, we have not yet reached peak impact,” said Ivey. “The decision to place regulations upon Alabamians living in Jefferson County and its surrounding counties was an effort to contain the area in which the virus has been prevalent in our state.”

The mayor said Cullman parks will remain open for walking and jogging, but said signs will be posted stating that playground equipment and ball courts may not be used by the public.

Jacobs encouraged citizens to utilize restaurant carry out, drive through and delivery. People utilizing those services will need to keep the 6-foot separation distance.

As of Thursday morning, there were 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. No confirmed cases have been reported from Cullman County.