June 7, 2022

Summer Storms Building

June 7, 2022

Reported cases are now rising in Alabama at an alarming rate. A total of 6,929 cases were reported for the week ending June 7 (average = 990 per day), compared to 5,220 cases the prior week (average = 746 per day) and 3,627 cases the week before that (average = 518 per day). That represents a 33% increase in one week and 91% increase in just 2 weeks.

For the third consecutive summer, the rise or fall of Covid infections seems to be tied to geography. It is not a coincidence that every one of 11 states in the Deep South saw an increase in the number of reported cases over the last 7 days. On the flip side, after suffering high rates of infection throughout the spring, every one of the 6 states in New England (except Vermont) saw a significant decline in cases this week. To be clear, Alabama’s 7-day average of reported cases (20 per 100K population) remains below the national average (34 per 100K), but our 33% increase in cases this week is higher than that in 39 other states.

Hospitalizations are also on the rise. Over the last 7 days, Alabama has seen an 18% increase in Covid patients (from 240 to 283) and a 22% increase in Covid patients admitted to the ICU (from 27 to 33). Hospitals in north Alabama are being impacted the most, led by Madison County (home of Huntsville), which currently has 15 Covid patients per 100K population (the national average is 9 patients per 100K). Marshall, Limestone, Morgan and Jackson counties, all located in north Alabama, are the other Alabama counties that exceed the national average in hospitalizations.

So, as the summer progresses, where does Alabama stand in terms of vaccinations? Sadly, only 51% of eligible residents have received 2 shots, which is tied with Wyoming for last in the nation. Only 19% of eligible residents have received a booster shot, which is lower than that in 48 other states (only North Carolina, with 17% boosted, is lower).

I know that some of you are planning a trip overseas this summer. If so, you will be happy to know that every country in Western Europe has seen a decline in cases over the last 14 days, except for Denmark and Finland, which have matched the 13% increase in the U.S.

If you do decide to travel, please be aware that ordinarily, anyone who wishes to enter the U.S. (including American citizens returning home from abroad) must present evidence of a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of entry. However, there is a little-known exemption from this requirement if you tested positive at least 90 days before re-entry and have a doctor’s letter stating that you have recovered and are “cleared to travel”.

The totals:

5/25 - 770

5/26 - 868

5/27 - 1,056

5/28 - not reporting

5/29 - not reporting

5/30 - not reporting

5/31 - 2,526

6/1 - 971

6/2 - 1,095

6/3 - not reporting

6/4 - not reporting

6/5 - not reporting

6/6 - 3,679

6/7 - 1,184