Novel Coronavirus

The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. The CDC recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Currently, there are no plans to discontinue or alter the routes for garbage, trash and recycling. All city updates will be provided via social media and through www.Tuscaloosa.com/covid19.

Mayor Maddox signed an emergency declaration on March 13, 2020. Signing an emergency declaration empowers elected officials to act more urgently during times of crisis to meet community needs and protect communities from further harm.

DCH Regional is currently the sole location in the City of Tuscaloosa offering screenings for COVID-19. The screenings are offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot to the West of Dr. Edward Hilliard Drive. Because the providers’ personal protective equipment does not work as well when wet, these screening will not be held on days with significant rain in the forecast.

On March 13, Governor Kay Ivy declared a state of emergency and ordered public schools in Alabama to be closed from March 18 until April 6. Please check the Tuscaloosa City Schools and Tuscaloosa County Schools website for the most up-to-date information.

On March 17, the Alabama Department of Public Health issued an Order of the State Health Director which prohibits public gatherings of more than 25 people.

All PARA athletics activities have been postponed until April 6. This includes adult and youth sports. 

Please visit PARA's website for the most up-to-date information.

For private events hosted on City-owned property, event hosts may request a refund of deposits and/or rental fee, or may choose to reschedule for another date. Event hosts will be asked to complete a form indicating their decision about their event.

On March 17, Mayor Walt Maddox announced the cancellation or postponement of all city-permitted and -hosted events until April 30. This does not include meetings crucial to the city’s operations and will be open to the public in accordance to state law.

Providing clear and concise updates to our citizens is a top priority for the City of Tuscaloosa. The city will continue to provide frequent updates through press conferences, social media and updates to our website tuscaloosa.com/covid19

City officials are continuously monitoring the situation, including consulting sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alabama Public Health.

If you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. People who fall in these categories should take extra precautions to avoid infection.

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

No, City Hall will remain open. Members of the public who need to access City Hall should enter through the top floor of the Downtown Intermodal Facility Parking Deck. All other public entrances are currently closed.

On March 17, the Alabama Department of Public Health issued an Order of the State Health Director which prohibits on-site consumption of food and drinks at restaurants, bars, breweries, and other establishments. These establishments are permitted to offer take-out or delivery.

Yes. In the case of a weather event requiring shelters, the City will open tornado shelters. The City will do its best to maintain 6 feet of space between people inside of the shelters.

Beginning on Monday, March 23, breakfast and lunch will be served to children 18 and under Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the following locations:

Tuscaloosa City Schools:

• Alberta School of Performing Arts
• Central High
• Woodland Forest Elementary
• Northridge Middle
• Skyland Elementary
• Westlawn Middle
• Buddy’s Food Mart
• Hay Court Apartments
• Rosedale Apartments
• Southview Elementary

Tuscaloosa County Schools:

• Vance Elementary
• Brookwood Elementary
• Holt High
• Maxwell Elementary
• Taylorville Primary
• Sipsey Valley Middle
• Northside High
• Flatwoods Elementary
• Faucett-Vestavia Elementary
• Crestmont Elementary