Jefferson Co. Health believes COVID-19 already here; bans large gatherings of people
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — At a news conference Thursday the Jefferson County Department of Health said they believe the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is already here and recommended all large public gatherings be cancelled.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson acknowledged at the start of the news conference that every state bordering Alabama has at least one confirmed case of the virus and that health officials agree the new virus is more than likely already in the state, even though there had been no confirmed cases. He also added that as of Thursday morning, around 50 people in the state have been tested.
The Health Department also recommended that all gatherings of 500 people or more be canceled until further notice.
Health officials said that they have the power to to enforce that public gathering recommendation, but hope they don't have to enforce it and that people will protect their community and family by acting responsibly.
Health officials said the recommendation does not apply to schools at this time but that may change.
Related: Alabama Dept. Public Health believes COVID-19 likely here already; still no confirmed cases
Dr. Wilson said these are unprecedented times and compared it to the great flu epidemic of 1918 where aggressive action was taken also.