The P.O.W.E.R. House

Alabama COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Info & Resources

Welcome to our COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) info and resources page.  This page is geared to be Alabama specific, but does include national info & resources as well.  We will keep this page updated constantly, and will date/timestamp all entries so you know you have the most current news.  If you know of anything not listed here that would be helpful to others, email us at:  mia@powerhousealabama.org

If you or someone you know needs condoms or emergency contraception (aka “Plan B”), we have both available for FREE.  We are happy to set up a no-contact pickup for you in Montgomery – email Mia Raven at: mia@powerhousealabama.org or text 334-549-8606 for instructions.  (NOTE: Emergency contraception is NOT the “abortion pill”.  EC is taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent implantation.)

We know these are scary times, and “information overload” can be exhausting and overwhelming.  That’s why we’re categorizing this page as much as possible so you can find the info you need easily.  Additionally, all info on this page is confirmed and not rumors or speculation.  We’re all in this together folks, so be kind to others, wash your hands, and don’t be the jerk who hordes toilet paper & hand sanitizer.

ALABAMA SPECIFIC HEALTH INFORMATION & RESOURCES (Last Updated on 3/18/20 @ 2:10PM CST)

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has an extensive COVID-19 information page on their website here that includes numbers of cases and counties affected statewide.  To find out more about coronavirus testing in Alabama, click here.  They have also set up a toll free hotline for those concerned they may have the virus and need to know where to get tested.  The phone number is 1-888-264-2256.

3/17/20: Dr. Scott Harris with ADPH said at a press conference today that restrictions in place in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair & Walker counties could last 3 to 4 months.  All restaurants, bars and breweries in these counties will no longer be allowed to offer on-premises consumption of food or beverages for a period of one week starting 3/17/20. Carryout will still be allowed, and restaurants are encouraged to offer online ordering and curbside pickup.  See info here.  Additionally, nursing homes in these counties will no longer allow most visitors to protect residents, and senior centers will not be allowed to have gatherings.  Exceptions can be made for end of life.  See info here.  Gatherings of 25 or more, and those where people cannot keep a six-foot distance between attendees, are banned in these counties. Event organizers can apply for exemptions from this order, but it is at the discretion of the health department.  More info can be found here.

3/18/20:  Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Bernard Eichold II has issued orders shutting down on-premise consumption at all restaurants, bars, breweries and most other food service establishments for the next week, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday (3/18/20).  The order also prohibits visitors and non-essential health care personnel at nursing homes and long-term care facilities and requires senior centers to close to all gatherings.  See more info here.

All but the most urgent dental procedures will be delayed until April 10 under new guidelines by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The situation will be reevaluated by April 10 and new guidelines will be issued.  The guidance echoes that of the American Dental Association.  See more info here.

Alabama Board of Pharmacy is allowing pharmacists to process emergency refills on essential medications until March 31st.  For specifics and directions on how to get your RX refilled, click here.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has set up an information page on their website, which you can find here.

Alabama Political Reporter (APR) has a page on their website for coronavirus facts and myths that you can find here.  Spreading rumors and unsubstantiated info helps no one.  You can also email your questions to them and they will answer them on the page.

The following locations are offering COVID-19 testing, in person/office and in drive up/drive through testing (Last Updated on 3/17/20 @ 5:15PM)

NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION & RESOURCES (Last Updated on 3/16/20 @ 3PM CST)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has set up an extensive COVID-19 information page on their website here.

Johns Hopkins University has a Coronavirus Resource Center on it’s website here.  It also includes interactive maps so you can track the spread of COVID-19 across the nation and worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is posting rolling updates along with maps, online training, travel advice, and lots more info here.

ALABAMA SPECIFIC NEWS (Last Updated on 3/16/20 @ 3PM CST)

al.com has a live blog with all the COVID-19 info & resources throughout the state here.  Additionally, they are offering a free text service where you can get the most urgent updates on the coronavirus on your phone.  Click here to sign up.

The Montgomery Advertiser is posting info for the city/county of Montgomery along with statewide updates on their main page here.

The Alabama Governor’s Office website is where you’ll find executive orders, press releases, statements, proclamations, and info on our current state of emergency.  All of this can be found in the “Newsroom” section here.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has some information on it’s website, but it’s limited and in our opinion, could be much better.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS RESOURCES  (Last Updated on 3/16/20 @ 3PM CST)

NBC News has a live blog for coronavirus news in the United States, click here for up to date information.

USA Today has an information page that is being continually updated here.

The New York Times has a live coronavirus update page located here.

The Washington Post has a live update page with news and information here.

The BBC (UK) has a live update page on their website here.

The Guardian (UK) has continually updated information here.

ANSA, Italy’s largest news source, has coronavirus information in English here.

ALABAMA SCHOOL INFORMATION (Last Updated on 3/17/20 @ 1:20AM CST)

All public schools in Alabama are closed, most of them until April 6th.  To find the complete list of school closures, click here.  Most of Alabama’s public and private colleges are also closed and/or moving to distance/online learning.

Prattville Christian Academy, Montgomery Academy, Valiant Cross and Greater Faith Christian Academy have announced they will follow the public school systems closure as well – click here for more information.

ALABAMA STATE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION (Last Updated on 3/18/20 @ 3:30PM CST)

Gov. Kay Ivey has postponed the March 31 primary runoff because of the coronavirus pandemic until July 14.  Ivey cited the risk to voters and poll workers in making the decision to delay the March 31 runoff.  Click here for more information.

The Alabama Legislature has cancelled it’s House meeting day on March 26th, and is meeting later this week to decide if the Legislature will go back into session after their break is over on March 31st. and will meet on March 31st to determine how to go forward according to Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon.  Guided tours and self-tours of the State House are suspended until further notice. Visitors who want to see a House member or staff member must use the main entrance on South Union Street. Visitors will tell security who they have come to see and security will contact the appropriate person before the visitor proceeds.  Source info is here.

The Alabama Supreme Court has issued the following statement:  “”On March 13 , 2020 , this Court issued an administrative order declaring a state of emergency for the entire judicial branch for the State of Alabama amid the Coronavirus Di sease 2019 (” COVID- 19 ” ) pandemic. The Court issues the following order to modify or to otherwise clarify: “The March 13 , 2020, order is limited to in-person courtroom proceedings. It has no effect on out-of-court activities in civil cases, including, but not limited to, depositions and mediations. Such out-of-court activities should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and this Court encourages all parties and attorneys to work together to implement appropriate social-distancing practices . Any dispute about an out-of-court activity related to a pending case should be directed to the court that is adjudicating the case.”  See their website here for more info.

All State Employees in Alabama are encouraged to work from home or use flexible scheduling until at least April 6th per Governor Kay Ivey.  Read more here.

The Alabama Beverage Control Board (ABC) may begin to limit hours of stores along with limiting the number of people allowed in a store at once.  For the time being, all stores are open as usual. is temporarily closing 78 stores until further notice.  Additionally, only 5 customers will be allowed in the store at once.  Employees will pull your picks and they ask that you pay with a credit card to cut down on employee contact. All employees MUST wear gloves but masks are optional at this time.  Click here for more info and visit their website here for further announcements.   Additionally, the ABC board signed an emergency order on 3/17/20 that will allow for curbside alcohol sales. Expecting a margarita to go? That’s not the case here. Patrons can buy a 750 ml bottle of wine or liquor, or one six pack. Customers can also buy multiples bottles of beer (standard bottles tend to vary between 325 and 385 ml) and multiple mini bottles of wine (think of those 187mL bottles of prosecco), but whatever you buy, do the math: an order of wine is still limited to 750ml and an order of beer is still limited to a standard six-pack.   Need cherries for an Old Fashioned or olives for a Martini? Bars and restaurants will have bottles of those for sale as well.  See more info here.

The Alabama Department of Labor has issued guidance on how workers can take action should they lose their job or be quarantined due to the coronavirus outbreak’s effect on their businesses.  Check out the FAQ here and visit their website here for more information.

Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey released two e-mail addresses–one for parents and the public, and one for school employees–where folks can send questions. “If you are a parent and have a COVID-19 related question, click COVID19PARENTS@ALSDE.EDU. If you are a school employee and have a COVID-19 related question, click COVID19SCHOOLS@ALSDE.EDU.” For all of the Alabama State Department of Education‘s communications on COVID-19, go to this webpage: https://www.alsde.edu/covid-19.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History is closing until April 4. That includes both the Museum of Alabama and the EBSCO Research Room. ADAH staff will work from home. An emergency management group of employees will maintain a daily presence in the building to ensure the safety of collections and facilities. As conditions permit, ADAH will continue to process requests made online with its Research Request Form. ADAH does not recommend submitting requests by postal mail because of potential service interruptions. With staffing reduced, ADAH will make the delivery of Forms DD-214 required for U.S. veterans’ benefits and requests associated with judicial proceedings priorities. More information is located here.

The Alabama National Guard has closed all its installations and facilities to the public. Access will be restricted to current Alabama National Guard employees, including service members, state employees, federal technicians, and contractors, until further notice. This includes access to gyms, fuel pumps, D.A. photo labs, I.D. card offices, and other non-essential services.  See source here.

CITY/COUNTY SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND RESOURCES (Last Updated on 3/18/20 @ 6:20PM CST)

AUTAUGA COUNTY/PRATTVILLE

CHILTON COUNTY/CLANTON

ELMORE COUNTY/WETUMPKA/MILLBROOK

ETOWAH COUNTY

MOBILE COUNTY

 MONTGOMERY

JEFFERSON (BIRMINGHAM/HOOVER)

HOUSTON COUNTY/DOTHAN

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY

TALLADEGA COUNTY

ALABAMA UTILITIES INFORMATION (Last updated on 3/19/20 @ 1:10AM CST)

Spire Energy says they will not disconnect you during the coronavirus outbreak.  For more information, see their website here.

The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWS) is suspending disconnections for nonpayments during the COVID-19 crisis. According to MAWS, “One of the most important safeguards for our community to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is handwashing. This small step ensures our customers have access to water during this time.”  See their website here.

Alabama Power has this posted on their website here:  Since the state of emergency was declared, the company has not disconnected any customers for non-payment and there are no plans to do so for those impacted by COVID-19. As always, Alabama Power works with each of our customers to offer payment assistance resources. Customers who are affected and have difficulty paying their bills should contact Customer Service by logging into their account or calling 1-800-245-2244.

Alabama Power says scammers are calling customers claiming to be a representative from Alabama Power and requesting immediate payment on accounts. In some instances, scammers have altered a customer’s caller ID to falsely read Alabama Power Company. “The No. 1 tip we tell customers is if anyone calls you directly and claims to be with Alabama Power, hang up and call our Customer Service line at 1-800-245-2244,” Alisa Summerville, Alabama Power Customer Services Center director, said. The company says it does not come to people’s doors demanding an immediate payment, and does not ask for bank information or a credit card number.  More info on this can be found here.

Huntsville Utilities (provides electrical, natural gas, and water services) says it is temporarily suspending service interruptions for non-payment through April 6. Bills can be paid in a variety of ways, including payment via personal online banking/bill pay, and bank draft using HU’s My Account customer portal using either a personal computer or through Huntsville Utilities’ mobile app. Additionally, customers may make payments via telephone by dialing 256-535-1200 and speaking with a customer service representative.  See their website here for more information.

Dothan Utilities is giving all customers a 30 day grace period and only conducting business through their drive through window.  See their website for more info here.

Charter Spectrum will offer free broadband and WiFi to households with K-12 or college students who don’t already have internet. They’re waiving installation fees. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.  For more info, click here.

Comcast is pausing all data plans for 60 days and giving all customers unlimited data, and it’s promising not to disconnect service or assess late fees.  See their website here for more information.

Beam is offering free 50 Mbps service for 30 days to new customers with K-12 or college students, along with free installation.  Go to their website here to get their phone number and call for more information.

AT&T plans to waive internet coverage fees, waive late fees and suspend termination of service during the pandemic. Anyone having trouble should call 1-800-288-2020 or visit their website by clicking here.

ALABAMA & NATIONAL RETAIL/BUSINESS CLOSURES & CHANGES IN HOURS OF OPERATION (Last Updated on 3/18/20 @ 4PM CST)

Abercrombie & Fitch physical locations are closed until March 28th, but you can order online and find out more here.

Aldi stores may change their hours of operation or close locations completely.  Check their website here for more information.

Anthropologie physical locations are closed until March 28th, but you can order online and find out more here.

Apple stores are closed until March 28th, but you can order online and find out more information here.

Books A Million is now offering curbside pickup at all of their stores, which remain open for now.  See their website here for more info.

Burlington Coat Factory will be modifying their hours, which will now be from 11AM to 7PM until further notice.  See their website here.

Chick-Fil-A stores have closed their indoor and outdoor dining areas, but you can still order through the drive through, see more info here.

Coach stores are closing all retail locations until March 27th.  See more info here.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is closing its retail locations for two weeks but has plans in place to serve shoppers. Dick’s mobile apps and online stores are open for business with Curbside Contactless Pickup service. Pickup is available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week. Full pay and benefits will be provided for all employees during the shutdown.  See their website here.

Flora-Bama has made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Flora-Bama main bar on the beach effective 6PM today. In addition, we will close in-restaurant dining at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club and the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill effective at the close of business today, Monday, March 16th, 2020.  The Flora-Bama Gift Shop, Liquor Store, and Marina will remain open.  Click here for more info.

H&M has closed all retail locations in the United States until April 2, 2020 or until further notice.  See their website here.

Hot Topic has closed all stores until March 27th.  See more info here.

Kroger stores have changed their hours to 7AM to 9PM.  Find out more info here.

Lululemon stores are closed until March 27th.  Visit their website here for more info.

Lush Cosmetics stores are closed until March 29th, see more info here.

Macy’s, Inc. announced that it will temporarily close all stores through March 31, 2020. This includes all Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bluemercury, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdales the Outlet and Market by Macy’s stores. Macy’s, Inc. will provide benefits and compensation to its impacted workforce.  You can still shop online.  See their website here.

Michael Kors is closing all of it’s stores until April 10th but you can still shop online.  See their website here.

Nike Stores are closed until March 27th, click here for more info.

Party City is temporarily closing all corporate retail stores throughout the United States effective Tuesday, March 17, at 6:00pm local time through March 31, 2020.  See their website here – you can still shop online.

Patagonia is completely shutting down all operations, including online ordering.  Check with their website to see updates on reopening here.

Planet Fitness is offering free online classes via its Facebook page. The “Home Work-Ins” are streamed live, Monday through Friday, at 6 p.m. CT. Membership at Planet Fitness is not required to view the streams. “There is no equipment needed and all classes will be 20 minutes or less,” Planet Fitness says on its website here.  All physical locations remain closed until at least March 31st.

Publix stores will be closing at 8PM until further notice.  Check their website here for more information.

Regal Cinemas in Alabama will close on March 17th until further notice.  The locations affected are:  Regal Trussville, 5895 Trussville Crossings Parkway; Regal Mobile, 1250 Satchell Paige Drive; and Regal Hollywood-Huntsville, 3312 South Memorial Parkway.  See their website here for more info.

Riverchase Galleria in Hoover will be operating from 12PM to 7PM daily, except for Sunday when they will close at 6PM.  Some stores inside the Galleria may change their hours or close until further notice.  Additionally, the Easter Bunny events are postponed until further notice.  See their website here for more information.

Shoe Carnival is temporarily reducing store operating hours to 11am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday and regular Sunday hours to better support our associates and the community. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on www.shoecarnival.com

The Shoppes at Bel Aire in Mobile will be operating from 12PM to 7PM daily, except for Sunday when they will close at 5:30PM.  Some stores may change their hours or close until further notice.  Additionally, the Easter Bunny events are postponed until further notice.  See their website here for more information.

Starbucks locations are moving to a “to go only” model in all stores starting March 15th for two weeks.  Indoor and outdoor dining areas will be closed, and some stores without to go access/drive thru’s may be closed.  Click here for more information.

Talbots is closing all of their retail stores until March 31st.  See their website here.

Target is the latest retailer changing its schedule in response to coronavirus.  Starting today (3/18/20), all Target stores will close at 9 p.m. to allow for additional restocking and cleaning. And, on Wednesday, the chain will set aside a dedicated shopping hour for vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.  See more info here.

Trader Joe’s stores have new hours of 9AM to 7PM until further notice.  You can see their website here.

Ulta will be closing all it’s retail stores beginning on March 19 at 6PM until at least March 31st.  You can still order online (with free shipping) here.

Wal Mart Stores & Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6AM to 11PM daily until further notice.  The Wal Mart grocery pickup service is suspended until further notice, check their website here for more information & updates.

Winn Dixie stores are now closing at 9PM until further notice.  Additionally, their self service deli counters are closed, but grocery delivery is still available.  See more info here.

EVENT CANCELLATIONS – CONCERTS, SPORTS, ETC., LOCAL AND REGIONAL  (Last Updated 3/18/20 @ 6:35PM)

New Orleans Jazz Fest has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for the fall.  See info here.

The second annual Opelika Songwriters Festival has been postponed to Sept. 18-20, organizers said today. The event was set for March 27-29 at several venues in downtown Opelika. Tickets for the original dates will be honored in September, and refunds are available for those who cannot attend, an email said.  See their website here.

The Huntsville Championship, a stop on the Korn Ferry professional golf tour, will not take place as scheduled April 20-26, the tour announced Tuesday. The tournament, announced last year, was scheduled to be played at The Ledges. The Korn Ferry Tour made the decision to cancel the tournament after the PGA Tour announced it would cancel events into May.  See source here.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas has cancelled all games indefinitely.  The minor league baseball team, whose much anticipated April 15 home opener has been indefinitely delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, announced it was closing its offices at Toyota Field. The team is also closing its retail stores at the stadium and Bridge Street Town Centre “for a few weeks.”  See more here.