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:  [email protected]

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: [email protected] 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)

• Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, which did some COVID-19 testing Tuesday (3/17/20) through its Christ Health Center ministry and Assurance Scientific at the church’s Grandview campus, will move that testing to its main church campus on Grants Mill Road on Wednesday (3/18/20). The testing at the Grandview campus had to be shut down early because of thousands of people showing up, beyond its capacity. The testing is scheduled to continue Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Grants Mill Road campus. Cars will be allowed to line up starting at 6:30 a.m. and testing will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting on Tuesday, March 17 at their Grandview Campus.  To learn about location and times, click here.  **UPDATE 3/17/20: Whoooooo boy, that went about as well as we thought it would – see here.   Folks, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS OR HAVE NOT BEEN AROUND AN INFECTED PERSON, DO NOT TRY TO GET TESTED!**  
• Assurance Scientific Laboratories in Birmingham has set up two testing sites – one in Bessemer & one in Vestavia Hills.  UPDATE 3/16/20: Neither of these locations are available any longer, as they have moved ALL testing to the Church of the Highlands Grandview Campus.
• Huntsville Hospital will be opening a “fever clinic” and possibly a drive thru testing site the week of March 16th.  To check on progress for this location, visit their website here.
• DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa has testing available in the parking lot near the laundry facility.  Find out more info here.
• Springhill Memorial Hospital in Mobile has a climate controlled tent set up outside of the ER department for those displaying symptoms of coronavirus.  If you think you are infected, DO NOT GO TO THE ER DEPARTMENT!
• Urgent Care for Children in Birmingham, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Madison and Tuscaloosa is offering testing for children & young adults age 0-21.  Find out more by clicking here.
• Baptist Health Systems in Montgomery is opening a Coronavirus Care Clinic that is open 24/7.  You MUST call 334-747-0150 and follow the directions that they give you – no walk ins – you must have an appointment.  Click here to find out more information.
• Ivy Creek Healthcare in Wetumpka has opened the COVID-19 Collection Clinic in the parking lot of the Elmore Community Hospital Emergency Room. The clinic, operated inside a military grade tent, will be open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Ivy Creek Healthcare asks patients to call 334-514-3713 and get an appointment before arriving on-site. Screening criteria will be approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health.  See info here.
• Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis is now offering testing in it’s parking lot.  More info is here and their website is located here.
• If you are in Butler County and are displaying symptoms of the virus, please call 334-382-2681 for further information and instructions per WSFA.

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 [email protected]. If you are a school employee and have a COVID-19 related question, click [email protected].” 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

• County jail inmates in Autauga County jails with bonds under $5,000 have been ordered released.  See Twitter post here.

CHILTON COUNTY/CLANTON

• County jail inmates in Chilton County jails with bonds under $5,000 have been ordered released.  See Twitter post here.

ELMORE COUNTY/WETUMPKA/MILLBROOK

• Elmore County Schools will be providing free meals for students through April 3. The meals are for any child 18 and under. No paperwork is needed. It will be a drive through distribution and the meals aren’t to be eaten on site.  Meals will be served starting at 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Follow the signs and cones at the schools. Do not get out of the car, meals will be brought to you. Elmore County Schools serving pick-up meals include: Coosada Elementary, Eclectic Middle, Holtville High, Redland Elementary & Wetumpka Middle.  Click here to go to their website.

• The Wetumpka Public Library is closed until further notice.  Visit their website here.
• The Elmore County Museum closed until further notice.  Visit their website for more info here.
• Wetumpka City Hall & Millbrook City Hall is limiting public access. Officials ask people to handle business online for over the phone if possible. The buildings are open and will conduct business face-to-face.  More info is here for Wetumpka City Hall and info for Millbrook City Hall is here.
• Elmore Community Hospital is only allowing one visitor per patient to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and anyone who enters the hospital will have their temperature taken.  See info here.
• County jail inmates in Elmore county jails with bonds under $5,000 have been ordered released.  See Twitter post here.

ETOWAH COUNTY

• The Etowah County EMA Director has put out a statement about a curfew concerning those under the age of 18 on their Facebook page here.  “It is strongly suggested and recommended that all school aged children in Etowah County be in Nightly from 9:00 p.m. to each morning at 6:00 a.m. Daily your school aged children should be given instruction not to be out in public socializing in groups of 10 or more. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/whats-new-all.html for social distancing and other information. This is a serious situation and we need your help and assistance with this matter. I do hope you find things for your children to do at home that can keep them occupied but, yet let them have fun. These are difficult times and all must come up with unique ideas to keep the minds and time of our school aged children busy, learning and growing.”

MOBILE COUNTY

• Dauphin Island in south Mobile County is placing barricades at the entrance to parking lots at its public beaches. Mayor Jeff Collier said he is hoping it will keep large Spring Break crowds from congregating at the public beaches. “We want us to compliment and supplement and adhere to the recommendations from the CDC and the State Health Department so we can be part of the solution,” said Collier. “We hope, as does everyone, that this will all be behind us sooner than most people think.” The public beach parking lots will be shut down for 14 days. The actual beaches are not closed to the public.  Source is here.

 MONTGOMERY

• The Montgomery Public School system will be offering free breakfast and lunch for children up to the age of 18 starting on March 23rd.  Breakfast will be served from 7AM to 9AM, and lunch will be served from 11AM to 1PM.  Consumption of food will NOT be onsite.  Paperwork not required, but children must be present to receive meals.  The following schools are participating (no matter what school the children go to): Bellingrath, Brewbaker Middle, Booker T. Washington, Carr, Chisholm, Crump, Dalraida, Dannelly, Floyd, McKee, MLK, Pintlala, Southlawn Middle, Wares Ferry, E.D. Nixon, Seth Johnson & T.S. Morris.  For more info on food distribution, click here.  MPS has closed all schools until at least April 6th, check their website here for more information.
• Mayor Steven Reed declared a State of Emergency for the City of Montgomery on March 14th.  This allows the city to be in line to receive federal assistance to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.  Read more about it here.
• Montgomery officials have activated an Emergency Operations Center that will be open 24 hours a day until further notice.  Find out more here.
• All municipal buildings in Montgomery are closed to the pubic until further notice. Municipal court will also limit the number of people allowed inside simultaneously. People should call 334-625-2776 for guidance in handling court matters.  Click here for more info.
• As of March 13, all public events located on city property are cancelled until further notice.  Find more updates from the City of Montgomery on their dedicated coronavirus page here.  You can also follow the City of Montgomery’s Twitter page here for up to the minute information.
• The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce has a coronavirus resource guide for the workplace here.
• The Montgomery County Commission has information concerning the county & coronavirus located here.
• Wind Creek Montgomery (along with Wind Creek Wetumpka & Wind Creek Atmore) is closing their casinos until March 30 after a visitor to the Wetumpka location tested positive for coronavirus.  More info is located here.
• Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) has cancelled all plays & public events from March 15 until April 26.  Click here for more information.
• Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) National Memorial for Peace & Justice along with the Legacy Museum & Memorial are closed until March 30th.  Find out more info here.
• The Civil Rights Memorial Center at Southern Poverty Law Center is closed until March 30.  The outdoor memorial is still accessible 24/7, click here for more info.
• The Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is closed until further notice – find more information here.
• The Capri Theater will be closed through at least April 2nd.  Visit their website here.
• The Maxwell Air and Space Show scheduled for April 18 and 19 has been cancelled as all outreach events have been suspended for two months by the Department of the Air Force.
• Hyundai has stopped production at its Montgomery plant after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The company says it is beginning sanitation work.  See more info here.

JEFFERSON (BIRMINGHAM/HOOVER)

• All Jefferson County offices are closed to the public until April 6th.  Source is here.
• Nursing homes in Jefferson County 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.
• All restaurants, bars and breweries in Jefferson County 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.
• Gatherings of 25 or more, and those where people cannot keep a six-foot distance between attendees, will be banned in Jefferson County. 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.
• Effective Thursday, March 19, all private schools and preschools in Jefferson County will be closed until April 6.  See more info here.
• All City of Birmingham employees, except those in police, fire and public works, will begin working from home at 7 a.m. Tuesday. City hall will remain open for some services. Tomorrow’s city council meeting will also remain open to the public. However, visitors to city hall are encouraged to continue practicing social distancing.  See their website here.
• The City of Birmingham is offering a free text service to keep you updated on urgent coronavirus updates.  Text BHMCOVID to 888-777 to receive text message information related to COVID-19 and click here for more info on signing up.
• Jimmie Hale Mission, a Birmingham-based nonprofit which helps people who are homeless through various programs, needs warm, home-cooked meals for the 20-25 homeless women and children who are being sheltered at Jessie’s Place. Although volunteers will not be allowed to serve the women and children until March 31st, hot meals can still be donated to the staff at Jessie’s Place. People can schedule to food drop offs by calling Jessie’s Place at 205-323-0170.
• Senior centers in Jefferson County are closed until further notice, but Meals on Wheels services will continue.  Source is here.
• Firehouse Ministries, which has been combating chronic homelessness in the Birmingham-area since 1983, shut down its volunteer program on Monday until April 6th. However, the shelter is asking for multiple donations. Information can be found on Firehouse Ministries’ Facebook page here.
• Hoover City Schools and Hoover Helps are providing both bagged lunches and backpack meals at Green Valley Elementary School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday thru Friday.  Find out more information here.
•  Hoover Municipal Court sessions are cancelled until April 16th. Source is here.
• The Hoover Senior Center is closed until further notice, but Meals on Wheels services will continue.  Source located here.
• The Hoover Public Library will discontinue curbside pickup of holds as of 2 pm on Wednesday, March 18. The due date for all checked out materials has been extended to April 15.  They will waive any late fees when they return to normal operations. See their website here.  The Hoover Public Library will be open but will be limited to lobby service only, source is here.
• Shades Mountain, Hoover Central, Hoover East & Spain Park park systems are closed until further notice.  Source located here.
• Hoover Recreation Center will be closed except for the walking track, which will be open during business hours. The Hoover Met Complex will also be closed, except for the walking track at the Finley Center.  Click here for more info.
• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is closed until further notice.  See their website here for more information.
• The Birmingham Museum of Art is closed until further notice, please see here for more information.
• Good People Brewing Company/Avondale Brewing is closed until further notice.  See their Instagram page here for more info.
• Iron City Birmingham is cancelling and/or rescheduling shows at their location.  See their Facebook page here for the latest updates.
• The Alabama Theatre has begun postponing some performances.  Check their website here for updates.
• The Nick will operate as an “off premise beer and liquor package store,” the Birmingham nightclub says on its Facebook page here. “One six pack or one bottle per sale. Call in, drive by or take out. 205-252-3831
• YMCA of Greater Birmingham locations closed their doors Monday night (3/16/20). This morning (3/18/20), they reopened to provide emergency childcare for healthcare workers and first responders who don’t have childcare during the coronavirus outbreak in the Birmingham area.  See more info here.
• Zydeco is closed until further notice.  “The health and safety of the general public is our upmost priority. As soon as there is some clarity from the CDC and our local government, we will evaluate being operational again. Zydeco has proudly served the city of Birmingham for nearly 30 years. As soon it is safe to do so, we will continue our services.”  See their website here.
• Olivia’s Transit Cafe at the MAX Transit bus station in downtown Birmingham will no longer offer dine-in. Customers can order food for take-out.  Source is here.
• The Nature Center at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in Birmingham is closed through April 7, according to its website. Trails and pavilion restrooms are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. All public and school programs have been canceled through April 7.  See their website here.

HOUSTON COUNTY/DOTHAN

• The Houston County Courthouse is closed until further notice per WSFA.  See their website here for more information.
• Dothan City Schools Child Nutrition Program (CNP) will provide lunch and snack meals during the COVID-19 school closures. Meals will be served via a curb-side method at six locations throughout the school district beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Meal pick-ups will take place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the following locations – Beverlye Intermediate School – 1025 S. Beverlye Road, DCS Head Start – 900 W. Powell Street, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School – 1901 Stringer Street, Kelly Springs Elementary School – 1124 Kelly Springs Road, Morris Slingluff Elementary School – 4130 Westgate Parkway, and Selma Street Elementary School – 1501 W. Selma Street.  Click here for more info.
• The City of Dothan along with Dothan Leisure Services will also be providing Free Meals and snacks during the Covid-19 school closure. Meals and snacks can be picked up at Andrew Belle Center, Wiregrass Park, Walton Park, and Westgate Park beginning Tuesday, March 17. Meals and snacks will be served from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. All meals will be curbside. Sites will operate in a non-congregate setting. Meals will be handed out and not consumed on site. Meals are for children 18 years old and younger or anyone with a disability. In accordance with the Federal law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.  More info here.
• Rose Hill Senior Center will serve homebound meals to the current participants. Participants who use our transportation will be served homebound meals as well. Congregate participants who can drive will be served meals in their cars.  Find out more here.
• There will only be one Commission meeting held per month with no Admin Meeting until further notice. The next meeting will be April 13.  See here for more info.
• Omussee Park and St. Johns Parks are closed until further notice per Houston County’s website here.

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY

• The Madison County Courthouse is closed until further notice.  Source is here.
• Madison County Schools will provide free “Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch for students Monday-Friday until April 3. Meals will be available for drive-through-only pickup at six schools: Riverton Elementary, Hazel Green Elementary, Madison County Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Harvest Elementary and Madison Cross Roads Elementary. Hours are 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Click here for more info.
• Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville is tightening access and support activities as it escalates its response to the coronavirus. Visitor badges are no longer being processed except by special exception. Food providers on base are takeout only, the food truck corral is closed, and recreational facilities and gyms are closed.  Source is here.
• All Huntsville-Madison County Public Libraries are closed until further notice, see their website here for more information.
• The US Space and Rocket Center is closed until April 3rd, check their website here.
• The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra concerts and events are cancelled until March 31st.  See here for more info. 
• The pharmacy at Fox Army Health Center (Redstone Arsenal) will re-open on Monday, March 23rd.  It was previously closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19.  See info here.
• Huntsville Museum of Art is closed as of 3/18/20 and will remain closed to the public until April 7.  See their website here.

TALLADEGA COUNTY

• Honda will suspend work at it’s Lincoln plant starting March 23.  See here for more info.

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.

It’s time for our annual 40 Days of Compassion campaign!  This year’s campaign runs from February 26, 2020 to April 5, 2020.

What is 40 Days of Compassion?

Every year, beginning on Lent, a certain group of anti choice folks gather to protest reproductive healthcare clinics in the United States for 40 days.  A few years ago we decided to take this spotlight on us and turn it into something good for the community.  That’s where we came up with the idea for 40 Days of Compassion.  We find local, grassroots orgs that align with our values and ask our supporters to support & lift up these groups that may not normally cross their radar.

This year, we are asking you to help support two different Alabama grassroots organizations – Women in Training (based in Montgomery, AL) and TKO – The Knights & Orchids Society (based in Selma, AL).

From February 26 until March 16, we will be featuring Women in Training (WIT).  Brooke & Breanna Bennett, 12 year old twin sisters from Montgomery, AL, collects period products & comfort items to put in their “WIT Kits”, which they distribute to young people (including non binary folks!) in need.  Hurrah for menstrual equity for all!  Here’s how you can help them:

• Like their Facebook page, follow them on Instagram and Twitter, and learn more about them and their work on their website.
• Check out their Amazon Wish List and purchase products they need to make their WIT kits.
• Donate to their campaign here!
• Volunteer your time and/or expertise!  Some of their greatest needs are folks to do communications work and graphic design.  Email them if you can help at: [email protected]

If you are local to Montgomery and wish to drop off your donation of period products or comfort items (handmade bracelets, journals, fuzzy socks & more) at the POWER House, email us at: [email protected] to find out how.

Stay tuned to this page to find out how you can help our friends at TKO – The Knights & Orchids Society starting on March 17th!  

While you get your PRIDE on, don’t forget that the first “Pride” was a riot.  Dr. King once said that a riot is the language of the unheard, and he was correct.

Those riots at Stonewall in 1969 (yes, we said plural, RIOTS!) were lead by LGBTQ+ POC and we should NEVER forget that.  Marsha P. Johnson, a Black woman, and Sylvia Rivera, a Latinx woman, were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots.  Without them and other brave LGBTQ+ activists, we wouldn’t have Pride as we know it today.

Back in May, Mia and Kari were fortunate to visit New York City, and the Stonewall Inn was the top of the list of things they HAD to see while they were there.

We took the subway from the Upper West Side to Christopher Street, located in the Greenwich Village section of Lower Manhattan.  The subway stop is right across the street from the Stonewall Inn, and we were amazed to see a permanent rainbow crosswalk located at the corner of Christopher Street and 7th Avenue South.   A  garden/statuary area across from the Stonewall Inn, called Christopher Park, is the official Stonewall Monument – the only LGBTQ+ monument – in the United States.

There are historical markers located on the building outside that look like this:

When you walk into the front door, the first thing that grabs your attention is this huge sign that has been framed, to your right:

We’ve come a long way since the Stonewall Riots.

The inside of the Stonewall Inn is familiar to us southerners with it’s extensive wood decor that we’re used to seeing in our historic homes.  There are all kinds of Pride flags everywhere….except the Pansexual flag!  That was the ONLY one we didn’t see.

You know we had to sample the Stonewall libations!  Here’s the Old Fashioned that Mia had at the bar, which was so inviting with great music (DUH!) and multiple TV screens.

Turns out we weren’t the only native Alabamians visiting the Stonewall Inn that day, and that alone gave us hope.

Pride in Montgomery is in its infancy.  We are very proud to say that the first “real” Pride event/parade in Montgomery was planned at the POWER House!  As we move forward with the local LGBTQ+ community, we knew we had to make a special statement this year for Pride at the POWER House…the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

This year, we are flying ALL PRIDE flags (except for the US flag) at the POWER House during June.  You’ll find our trans* flag, a brand new Pansexual flag (the only one missing at Stonewall!), and a special version of the Philly LGBTQ+ flag.  We chose this flag instead of the regular Philadelphia flag we fly all year because it shows the traditional “power” fist in colors that represent the POC LGBTQ+ community.  Without them, we would not have “PRIDE”, and we honor them by flying this flag in the Birthplace of Civil Rights.

It is also a shout out, or a “WE SEE YOU” statement, to local POC lead LGBTQ+ organizations in Alabama like our friends at TKO – The Knights and Orchids Society, based in Selma.  We also wish to show our allyship and belief that as a white led organization, we are here to utilize our white privilege for our fellow Alabamians, and stand with ALL of our LGBTQ+ southern brethren, and….we WON’T BACK DOWN.

We hope you’ll join us at Montgomery Pride this year!  Check out all of the local LGBTQ+ events in Montgomery here, and be sure to stop by our booth while you’re there!

Happy Pride, Y’all!

Nope, we’re not showing what Senator Sinema chose to wear.  Her choice of dress and boots were on trend in current fashion and there wasn’t a SINGLE. THING. WRONG. WITH. EITHER.

What people choose to wear is their business.  Going after a woman for her fashion choices is SOOOO cliche and quite frankly, sexist, misogynist, and rude.  Rarely do we hear about men who have “bad looks”.

UNTIL  NOW.

This bad look goes back to 2014.  That’s Jim Zeigler in the red jacket outside of Alabama Women’s Center in Huntsville.  He wasn’t a state official back then, but everyone in Alabama knows how many races he lost to get to his current position.

For his second bad look, it happened outside of Reproductive Health Services in Montgomery, AL on April 14, 2017.  Yep, that’s him in the red shirt and khaki pants on state time outside of the clinic.  He was supposed to be taking inventory of the Governor’s Mansion located 3 blocks from the clinic after Governor Bentley vacated it.  Guess he had to get some practice in harassment of women before counting numbers.

Oh, but that’s not all!  Courtesy of our friends at Left In Alabama:

Let us not forget the time that he was caught plagiarizing the words of State Representative Christopher England, either.

We hear that Jim Zeigler wishes to take Doug Jones’ seat away from him.

Pardon us as we laugh our way into February.

Mr. Zeigler, take ALL the seats.  And while you’re having that seat….RETIRE.

We at the POWER House are happy to be a sponsor of the Montgomery Women’s March on Saturday, January 26, 2019 in downtown Montgomery from 2PM to 5PM!  Our friends at Montgomery Pride United will be joining us for this rally to unite Alabama women.

On Saturday, January 26th, 2019, we will meet at the Court Square Fountain at Dexter Avenue starting at 2PM.  We will then march up historic Dexter Avenue at 3PM to the Alabama State Capitol for a rally featuring our special guest MC Ambrosia Starling.  Local and statewide organizations that are allied with our cause will have tables at the Capitol, and we have a fantastic lineup of speakers to get you motivated for the year in politics ahead.

For those that are unable to physically march, vehicles will be available for you to ride to to the state capitol in.  ADA compliant Port-A-Potties will be available at the capitol for those needing it.

WHERE TO PARK

There are limited spots available for parking on Dexter Avenue.  Get there early if you want to park there.  Numerous side streets also have parking spots, and meters are FREE all over the city of Montgomery on the weekends.  The City of Montgomery also has numerous public parking areas which can be found HERE.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Volunteers for the Women’s March can be easily found by looking for the folks in bright orange “clinic escort” vests as shown in the photo below.  POWER House volunteers are volunteer clinic escorts at the only abortion clinic in the city, and we’ll be proudly wearing our vests during the event for ease of visibility.  Have a question?  Need non-emergency assistance of any kind?  Just ask!  We’re there to help you in any way we can.

In addition, the Montgomery Police Department will be providing security during our event.  For immediate emergency help/medical assistance, please find an officer and alert one of our volunteers in the orange vests.

WHAT ABOUT PROTESTERS?

We at the POWER House are committed to non violence and non engagement with protesters.  DO NOT ENGAGE PROTESTERS WHO MAY SHOW UP.  They do not deserve your attention or energy.  If a protester approaches you and refuses to leave you alone, WALK AWAY and find one of our volunteers or an MPD officer.

WHAT CAN I BRING?  WHAT SHOULDN’T I BRING?

We HIGHLY encourage signs, flags, and your expressions of free speech, but PLEASE KEEP IT DECENT!  No curse words on signs or outright vulgarity, please.  This is a family friendly event, so please be respectful of your fellow citizens.  We will have limited amounts of free bottled water at the Capitol at the POWER House tent.  NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS AND NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.  It will be cold so DRESS WARM!  Bring folding/camp chairs or small coolers if you wish, but remember you will have to carry your belongings from the fountain to the Capitol unless you wish not to march.

IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?

This is a free event, but we will happily accept donations to offset the costs of putting on the march.  We have spent $575 to provide a safe & secure march for everyone and are a VERY small non profit organization with a VERY limited budget.  If you would like to help us offset these costs, you can donate to the POWER House by clicking HERE or via PayPal at:  [email protected]  (Total Breakdown of Costs: $400 for City of Montgomery Police Department, $150 for Port-A-Potty, and $25 for a City of Montgomery Special Event Permit.)  All of our staff and volunteers are unpaid.

Bring your family and some friends and we’ll see you at the march!  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or text Mia @ 334-549-8606, or contact via email at: [email protected].

Thank you for helping us provide assistance to the community we serve.  We couldn’t do it without your love and support.

We are offering FREE rides to the polls on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 from 7AM to 7PM.  This is for inside of the city limits in Montgomery, Alabama.  We have a wheelchair and/or handicapped accessible brand new van for you to ride comfortably in.  Bring a friend – we’ll take them too!  Call or text us at the number in the graphic and do YOUR civic duty!

We know they’re coming for Roe.

We also know that WE AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE.  We’re NOT going back.

We will fight for Roe.  We will fight for women in Alabama and all across the United States.  It will not be easy.

So what now?

We mobilize.  The first thing we must do in Alabama is fight back against Amendment 2 that will be on the ballot on November 6, 2018.  Our sister org, Montgomery Area Reproductive Justice Coalition, will be doing work to push back against banning abortion in Alabama with NO EXCEPTIONS.

Yes, you read that right.  No abortions.  No exceptions.  Women will die.

We won’t go back.  Help us continue our work by donating to the POWER House.  See all the ways you can donate by visiting our Donate page here.

Be sure to follow Montgomery Area Reproductive Justice Coalition on Facebook for sharable graphics about Amendment 2 to help get the word out about this harmful Amendment.

Need a ride to the polls in Montgomery?  Call us!  We’ve got you covered!  All the info you need is in this graphic.

#Alabama #ALSEN #alpolitics #WeMatter #ItsOnUs #GOTV #Vote #VoteOrDie #BlackVotersMatter #AlabamaSenate #GoVote#Montgomery #MyMgm #Free #Montgomery