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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Managing Editor

With this Wednesday, May 13, marking two months since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus began in Alabama, there continues to be positive cases across Shelby County and the state.

While the number of new cases per day aren’t as drastic as they once were, at least in the county, there were 14 new cases between the mornings of Friday, May 8, and Monday, May 11, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 367 in Shelby County.

That increase comes with 720 new tests looked at during the timespan with the total number of tests for the county now resting at 5,550.

Statewide, the total is nearing 10,000 confirmed cases after surpassing 9,900 over the weekend. The total is currently at 9,904, which is an increase of 716 over the weekend, as some counties continue to see higher increases.

There have now been 129,426 tests administered since last Friday with more than 13,000 administered, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Shelby County’s death total from COVID-19 remains at 17, while the state total is now at 393. Of those who have passed away, almost 80 percent have been 65 or older. The exact number is 79.6 percent, while 17.6 percent have been between the ages of 50 and 64. Males also have a higher death percentage at 56 percent.

Mobile County still has the most number of confirmed cases with 1,462 to this point, while Jefferson County also has more than 1,000 cases with 1,123. Montgomery County is at 610, Marshall County is at 558 and Lee County is at 425. Chambers and Tallapoosa counties also now have more than 300 cases with Tallapoosa at 323 and Chambers at 316

In addition to that, Tuscaloosa, Madison, Franklin and Baldwin have more than 200 confirmed cases. Tuscaloosa is currently at 278 cases of the virus, while Madison has 247, Franklin has 231 and Baldwin has 222.

So far, 1,390 healthcare workers have contracted the virus, while 1,026 long-term care residents and 634 long-term care employees have tested positive.

In addition to that, 460 patients have been in the ICU, while 274 have been put on ventilators since the virus started in the state on March 13.

New numbers show that 39.17 percent of confirmed cases are between the ages of 25 and 49, while 25.35 are between 50 and 64 and 25.04 are 65 or older. In addition to that, 57.83 percent of confirmed cases are female, 43.95 percent are white and 38.41 percent are black.

It had also been confirmed that 15 residents and seven employees at the Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation facility had tested positive for the virus two weeks ago. Since then, several have returned back home. In addition to that, nine residents and six employees at Select Rehab, Shelby Ridge in Alabaster have also tested positive.

Since the outbreak started, positive cases have 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 was 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 and an employee at Montevallo City Hall.

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