Coronavirus 2019

BLACK POND - Since school has started in a pandemic, and face masks are required for all students to wear, it can be tough for the younger students, as masks get dirty, they break and they are sometimes forgotten at home. The Black Pond Volunteer Fire Department saw the need and recently donated 500 disposable face masks to Double Springs Elementary School.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Very few people actually enjoy wearing a facial covering to keep down the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and some defy any mandates, but those choices are trivial when it comes to the current state mandate requiring facial coverings be worn.

Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday, July 29, that the current Safer-at-Home Order, which was set to expire July 31, has been extended through Aug. 31, at 5 p.m.  The statewide mask ordinance has also been extended through Aug. 31.

A new order within the Safer-at-Home order will require all school students from second grade through college to wear masks while in school.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - During the Winston County Board of Education's July 23, meeting, board members asked Winston County Schools Superintendent Greg Pendley a wide range of questions regarding reopening plans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Friday, July 17, announced its plans for reopening its campuses statewide for the fall, 2020 semester.

WINSTON COUNTY - Face masks are now officially required statewide in certain situations, after Governor Kay Ivey amended the state's safer-at-home order earlier this week to put a face mask mandate in place.

WINSTON COUNTY - As Governor Kay Ivey extended the state’s Safer-at-Home order last week, medical officials in Winston County confirmed a surge in COVID-19 cases locally, placing the county in an extremely high risk category when it comes to the virus.

CULLMAN - Cullman Regional Medical Center and local leaders are coming together to encourage local community members to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following 3 simple steps: Wash your hands, frequently; Maintain 6-foot distance when out; Wear a mask when you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

BIRMINGHAM - With the Alabama Department of Public Health reporting that most counties in the state are seeing high levels of COVID-19 infection, UAB is wanting to remind patients, family members and potential visitors about its visitor restriction policies.