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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Managing Editor

With more than 800 tests now administered in Shelby County, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen to 145, while the Alabama Department of Public Health has also confirmed five deaths.

That death total matches the most of any other county in the state, as Chambers and Mobile both have five deaths as well, while Jefferson has four.

That’s one more death than the county had around noon on Saturday, while the confirmed-case count jumped by 25 in that same time frame with close to 200 more tests administered.

With 820 tests administered and 145 positive cases, 17.7 percent of those tested have gotten back positive results. The latest update was as of 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.

Statewide there are currently 1,841 confirmed cases of the virus with 31 confirmed deaths and another 14 reported deaths, while 66 of Alabama’s 67 counties have at least one confirmed case.

A total of 13,078 tests have been administered and there are currently 231 hospitalizations across the state due to the virus.

So far, positive cases have also been confirmed featuring four local schools including two at Thompson High School, one at either Oak Mountain Intermediate or Elementary School, one at Helena High School and one at Calera High School. Both Helena and Calera students also possibly had contact with someone at the middle school.

It has also been confirmed that an employee at the Alabaster Chick-fil-A tested positive as did Montevallo pastor Ray Dunmyer of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

The Alabaster Chick-fil-A has since reopened for takeout and drive-thru services after a thorough cleaning.

Testing for COVID-19 is now being done by appointment at UAB as well as Total Care 280 in the North Shelby area off U.S. 280, It’s About Time Urgent Care in Helena and Columbiana Clinic in Columbiana. You are urged to get tested only if you present symptoms of a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or have been in contact with somebody who has the virus.

UAB is encouraging you to call 205-975-1881 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. to describe your symptoms. They will then determine whether you present what could be COVID-19 symptoms, in which case they’ll set an appointment for you to get tested the next day.

If you think you have been exposed or have symptoms, please isolate and call your doctor or nearest medical facility for guidance or call the Alabama Department of Public Health hotline at 1-888-264-2256.

For more information about COVID-19, visit Alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/2019-coronavirus.

To view an updated dashboard of confirmed cases and see testing sites, visit Alpublichealth.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6d2771faa9da4a2786a509d82c8cf0f7