The number of coronavirus cases in Alabama has grows to close to 200 as testing becomes more widespread across the state, but in some places, medical supplies are running low.
The University of Alabama in Birmingham is dealing with supply issues related to its new appointment based COVD-19 testing service. The system opened March 23. UAB’s’ Dr. Laura Kowalcyzk says concerns over the supplies of protective gear and testing swabs prompted an outpouring of support from the public.
“We’ve actually had to set up some separate lines and communication so that we can take in all the suggestions and all of the donations that we’re receiving, and we want to thank you for all that,” she says.
Kowalczyk says another strategy is conservation of protective gear like gowns and masks so healthcare workers on the frontline get the supplies they need while providing testing for the Coronavirus.
Meantime, The Alabama Department of Public Health has created a new source for COVID-19 information. The toll-free hotline is 800-270-7268. Telephone calls are answered from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. The COVID-19 general information email address is covid19info@adph.state.al.us.
The testing hotline is 888-264-2256. This hotline provides information about available testing sites and hours of operation.
