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THREAD: The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reports that COVID-19 cases are increasing in the state, as indicated by case numbers reported today. These numbers do not reflect a backlog of data and include both confirmed and probable cases. 1/8
Preliminary analysis indicates that a large number of these cases are from social gatherings of more than 10 persons, including attendance at such events as fall or Halloween parties, sporting events, work-related meetings, and church-sponsored activities. 2/8
Other contributors to these numbers are cases in the preschool, school, and college-age population, as well as some cases in healthcare workers, congregate settings, long-term care, and travel. 3/8
ADPH reminds that persons should assess risks for exposure to COVID-19 and be aware that situations where there are increases in crowds, opportunity for close contact, and attendance in closed in spaces provide more opportunities for spread of this virus. 4/8
ADPH urges all Alabamians to follow social distancing, respiratory hygiene, and the use of cloth face coverings to reduce transmission of COVID-19. All persons diagnosed with COVID-19 must remain in isolation for 10 days after onset of symptoms if symptomatic or from... 5/8
...date of test if asymptomatic. Adherence to home quarantine of 14 days from last exposure to a case for close contacts is critical to further control this virus, as the incubation period for this illness is two to fourteen days. 6/8
Persons cannot test out of home quarantine and persons refusing to adhere to quarantine requirements place others at risk. Recent CDC information indicates that over 10% of cases of COVID-19 might be missed if home quarantine were shortened from the existing time frame. 7/8
More research is needed before any changes can be made in current CDC recommended guidance. 8/8
