BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s death toll from the coronavirus pandemic now exceeds 3,000 as both cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations continue rising.
The Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that 3,006 people had died since the start of the crisis. That's an increase of 17 from a day earlier. About 1,850 new cases of COVID-19 were reported, and more than 1,020 people are hospitalized with the illness caused by the virus.
The pandemic is worsening in the state as officials weigh whether to extend a mandatory mask order that's set to expire Sunday. The Alabama Hospital Association is supporting an extension of the requirement.