All public K-12 Alabama schools will close March 18 for two weeks to reduce coronavirus threat
Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency today, March 13, saying that at the end of the business day on March 18, all public K-12 schools in Alabama will be closed for two weeks to reduce the chances of the coronavirus spreading. With this schedule, that means that Alabama’s public schools will be closed until April 6. Students will not have to make up those days.
State school officials will reassess the situation at the end of March to determine next steps for public schools. Earlier today, state health officials announced that a confirmed case of the coronavirus was found in Montgomery County and a second case in Jefferson County. Three additional cases have been identified, but as of 5:15 p.m. today, officials have not released the locations of those cases.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said today’s announcement is just a reminder of how important it is to use precaution in interacting in public spaces. “I urge residents to be cautious and show compassion to your community during this time,’’ said Mayor Woodfin. “Continue to follow the steps of public health officials to reduce risks of possible exposure to the coronavirus.’’
Also, starting at 8 a.m. on March 14, the state will open a call center for people to call to find out where they can go to get tested for the coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-888-264-2256.
On March 12, Jefferson County Department of Health leaders urged the public to cancel or postpone all events with 500 or more attendees. Several events in and around Birmingham and at City of Birmingham facilities have been postponed or canceled for the remainder of March and into April.
The coronavirus threat has prompted various organizers to cancel large Birmingham events for March. See a list of closings here.
Please visit www.birminghamal.gov/coronavirus for updates in Birmingham and safety tips.
