How Alabama Communities are Coming Together During the COVID-19 Crisis

Helping the community during coronavirus

The Alabama Gulf Coast is known for art museums, a symphony orchestra, professional opera, a large concentration of historic architecture, and the oldest Carnival or Mardi Gras celebration in the US.

Now it, along with almost every other city in America, is known for the community spread of COVID-19, a novel virus there is no vaccine to treat and to which none of us has any immunity.

Alabama continues to see an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Based on data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 14 straight days of no new cases to open up businesses. Unfortunately, there are still more cases every single day.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey says you are, “Safer at Home” especially since people in the front line are putting their lives on the line for anyone who contracts the virus, but she is lifting some of the restrictions by allowing businesses and beaches to be open, initially with 50% occupancy.

Social distancing is still required, limiting groups to no more than 10, and it’s suggested to wear a mask in public.

Alabama was among one of the last states to impose “stay-at-home” guidance at the end of March to flatten the curve and prevent a rush of new cases crowding hospitals.

Still, among health officials, the fear is the numbers could go up if things open too quickly. They will be watching the data to see if this opening can be conducted without that happening.

The Mobile County Health Officer believes we can reopen with personal responsibility – washing hands, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and staying home as much as possible. We remain very much in the dark as to how many of us has contracted the virus or are carriers because of a lack of testing.

Helping Alabamians

Altogether Alabama is a website where the community can reach out to ask for help or offer help during this COVID-19 pandemic. When a community comes under stress, that is often when we see the good come from people who want to help their neighbors:

Thanking front line workers – We are all grateful for the medical professionals putting their lives on the line, and some people are hanging a sign in their window thanking them. DCH Foundation, part of DCH Health System, also has a program for feeding front-line workers.
ALtogether Alabama connects program partners with people in need. For example, the website warns that many small businesses may close due to lack of foot traffic. The group is encouraging customers to keep ordering food for take-out or buy a gift card to support your local shops.
Some businesses have set up GoFundMe pages looking for contributions and this website connects you to them.
Thinking of volunteering? Altogether Alabama has a volunteer program form to fill out if you want to be put in touch with those in need. One program may deliver groceries to the elderly. Another may provide legal and accounting services for struggling businesses. Want to buy some food for a person who cannot get out? The group can put you in touch with someone in need.
Donate Blood – You may also want to give blood at this time in a blood drive through LifeSouth or the American Red Cross.
Delivering meals is done through Meals on Wheels. Another group, Umbrella, is looking for volunteers to grocery shop on behalf of seniors.
Alabama food banks continue to provide food to those in need during this pandemic. You can go to ALfba.org and put in your zip code to find a local food pantry.
Break for a Plate Alabama provides free meals to be picked up by families during the school closure. Many children receive their breakfast and lunch at school, so this program is taking its place. Meals are distributed to any child 18 and younger.
Alabama has a safety net of public assistance programs already in place including family and domestic violence, services for disability, and a hot line if you are a victim of sexual assault. Call 2-1-1 if you are homeless and need shelter.

Your Mobile Personal Injury Attorney

If you need legal help at this time, J. Allan Brown in Mobile is open to serve you. Although the courts have limited access and the wheels of justice are turning a little more slowly, your still have the right to pursue just compensation if another person or party caused you to get injured.

J. Allan Brown is experienced in a variety of personal injury areas from truck and auto accidents, to boating accidents, slip-and-fall, product liability, industrial accidents, and medical malpractice. Our office is open and following CDC guidelines. Our Mobile number is 251-473-6691.