October 31, 2020 - The Latest
The Latest
October 31, 2020
On the day after new cases topped 100,000 for the first time ever in the United States, Alabama saw an increase of 1,789 (incl 214 probables), a 442-case increase over yesterday’s total. Not since August 10 have there been so many confirmed cases in Alabama on a single day.
There were also more reported tests - 10,564 to be exact - which are the most since October 9. As a result, our one-day positivity rate is only slightly higher than yesterday’s - 16.9%. All of the older cases reported last week have now rolled off the 7-day averages, so the tracking sites are in agreement that our average positivity rate over the last 7 days is approximately 17.5%. Our State ranks 6th in the nation, behind only SD, WY, ID, KS and IA.
ADPH finally updated its hospitalization data and it is actually better than I expected. There were 960 patients reported in 99 hospitals, as compared to 1,013 patients in 108 reporting hospitals on Wednesday, the last day for which ADPH had updated its dashboard. Finally, over the last 2 days, 53 more Alabamians have reportedly died of COVID, which brings our overall death toll to 2,967.
With Election Day approaching, I want everyone to feel safe voting. If you have an absentee ballot and have not mailed it back, or if you receive an absentee ballot in the mail on Monday, you should complete it and return it in person at the office of your absentee election manager (usually the Circuit Clerk of your county) by 5:00 pm on Monday. Wear your mask! Your absentee election manager should have a notary there to assist you.
If you plan to vote in person on election day, the good news is that the lines should be shorter without all the early voters. Again, wear your mask and you should be fine, but if you witness unsafe practices or intimidation, or if you simply have a question about voting, call this Hotline - 833-GO-VOTE2 (833-468-6832).
10/18 - 964
10/19 - 859
10/20 -1043
10/21 -1146
10/22 -1390
10/23 -1287
10/24 -1178 - 1769
10/25 -1079
10/26 - 967
10/27- 1115
10/28 -1269
10/29 -1443
10/30 -1347
10/31 -1789
Jefferson County’s numbers are getting worse - 197 cases (incl 14 probables). Big spikes in some smaller counties, like Covington (99); DeKalb (79); St. Clair (68); Etowah (67); Walker (47) and Dale (44).