Alabama resource list for COVID-19 testing, treatment, and information

National resource repository: Aunt Bertha

Testing

For COVID-19 testing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends contacting your state health department.

Alabama Department of Public Health – Testing through ADPH is free, but a patient must be referred by a healthcare provider.

For someone to get tested through the state laboratory, the first step is to call their healthcare provider. Those who do not have one can call a hotline set up by ADPH. That number is 1-888-264-2256. ADPH officials advise to first call a healthcare provider, rather than going in to be seen, to help avoid potential exposure to other patients and healthcare staff.

**For a list of contact information for all major hospitals in the state of Alabama, plus any COVID-19-specific resources published by those institutions, see our comprehensive list.**

Treatment

Most people in Alabama will not have symptoms severe enough to warrant being admitted into the hospital. Health professionals are suggesting to treat the symptoms of COVID-19 the same as you would treat the flu:

Make sure you stay hydrated
Reduce your fever with Tylenol
Sanitize and clean surfaces
Monitor your symptoms to make sure you do not get worse or your symptoms do not progress

If your symptoms are severe such as:

a high fever (100.4 or above) and the fever won’t go down even with medicine
trouble breathing
persistent pain or pressure in the chest
new confusion or inability to arouse
bluish lips or face

This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Older adults (over 60) and people who have severe underlying chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease and diabetes seem to be at higher risk of developing serious complications. If you are at higher risk, you should contact your health care provider EARLY, even if your symptoms are mild.

Closures

The Alabama Department of Health has ordered all Alabama restaurants and bars to go to take-out only, eliminating in-house dining in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
No non-work gatherings of ten or more people are permitted.
No non-work gatherings of less than ten people are permitted unless a consistent six-foot distance between persons can be maintained.
All beaches were closed on 3/19/2020.
Preschools and childcare centers are closed or have limited service.
All Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation.
All elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed, effective immediately.