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3/18/2020 Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALVOAD) has a first priority of keeping all volunteers and their families’ safe during this National Emergency. We understand that those who are not suffering from the virus or who may have already recovered from the virus, may want to help. These are general guidelines designed to keep you safe so you can help others and so we all get through this crisis together. Our primary goal is to: - Protect Volunteers - Protect Clients - Protect Service Agencies General Guidelines for Volunteers - DO NOT attempt to volunteer for any activity if in the last 14 days you have: • Traveled to any foreign country or to California, Washington, New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago (this list may change on short notice) • Been on a cruise or been in an airport • Been around anyone who has COVID-19 • Been to an event where more than 250 people were in attendance - DO NOT show up to volunteer for any activity without confirming that there is a need for the activity, that it will be conducted, and that volunteer support is needed and expected. - BEFORE arriving for a volunteer shift, call ahead to the service agency and ask if any additional safety precautions should be taken before, during and after the shift. - ALLOW extra time for additional screening from volunteer organizations or agencies to make sure you are cleared to volunteer for the task. - EXPECT that shifts or opportunities may be cancelled; especially volunteer opportunities working with the vulnerable populations. Please be gracious and understanding. - DO practice universal infection control precautions. Clean and wash your hands before, during, and after volunteering. - DO clean any used spaces thoroughly before and after, including tabletop surfaces and doorknobs/handles. - DO use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if needed for the task. - DO maintain 6-10 foot separation from others while conducting the task. - ASK about any risk that may be associated with the task and DO NOT take part if you are uncomfortable with the level of risk. General Guidance for Volunteer Organizations - Focus on delivering services in COVID-19 environment and ensure we are all working together and taking all necessary precautions to serve the citizens of Alabama. - Realize that traditional services may shift. - Realize that many volunteers are over age 65 and at a higher risk for contracting the virus. - Consider having an isolation space ready in case anyone shows up with symptoms. - Screen all volunteers and clients as able and before using them. - Make sure you have the proper PPE available and make sure you train volunteers on its proper use before allowing them to do any tasks that require PPE. - Make sure all volunteers understand any risks associated with the task you would like them to do and understand if they are not comfortable with that level of risk. - Do not compete in the market for scarce supplies that healthcare organizations and providers need every day to perform their duties. - Keep 6-10 foot social distance rules in place during tasks if possible. - Hang posters in facilities with best practices / social distancing / hand washing etc. - Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, Clorox wipes and receptacles for their disposal) in all locations. - Don’t forget to track volunteer hours and donations and document volunteer work efforts. These are “Donated Resources” and can sometimes be used to help lessen the overall financial burden experienced with recovery from a disaster. - When in doubt visit CDC or Alabama Department of Public Health for recommendations. - Specific info for NON-PROFITS: • https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/ • https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/trends-policy-issues/the-nonprofit-communityconfronts-the-coronavirus Other websites for information For background and the most up-to-date information, please visit: Alabama Department of Public Health-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website: HERE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: • Twitter (here) • Facebook (here) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Twitter (here) • Facebook (here) What you should know: • Workplace, School, and Home Guidance • People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19 • How COVID-19 Spreads • Symptoms • Steps to Prevent Illness • Testing • Frequently Asked Questions • What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19 • Stigma Related to COVID-19 • What You Need to Know • Facts about COVID-19 • Information for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations • Communication Resources Information for Community Events and Gatherings: • Interim Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events • Interim Guidance for Community- and Faith-Based Organizations • EPA: Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19 (PDF) • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Guidance for Congregations

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that small businesses across Alabama negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistance under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program will help qualified businesses and non-profit organizations recover from economic losses tied to the abrupt downturn triggered by the COVID-19 disease. “Small businesses represent the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and many of them need immediate help in these trying times,” Governor Ivey said. “My team has worked closely with the SBA in recent days to make this economic assistance possible. We’re all grateful to President Trump and the SBA for responding rapidly to the problems faced by small businesses in Alabama.” SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for an eligible small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These low-interest loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Businesses must qualify for EIDL assistance. For more information, go to the SBA’s COVID-19 disaster assistance web page. Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the department’s Office of Small Business Advocacy has heard from many small business owners around the state who are being squeezed by the sudden decline in economic activity brought on by the emergence of coronavirus. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities all across Alabama, employing local residents and sustaining economic vitality,” Secretary Canfield said. “It’s critical that small businesses around the state remain healthy, and the SBA’s disaster loan program could prove to be a lifeline for many of them.” Commerce worked with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Small Business Development Center to prepare Alabama’s application for the SBA’s EIDL program. The SBA granted Alabama’s application today. “This was a team effort that will help many small business owners in Alabama make it through this crisis and move forward to thrive once again,” Governor Ivey said. According to data from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are nearly 400,000 small businesses in Alabama, employing nearly half of all Alabama workers.

Governor Kay Ivey announced today that she has given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon with the Alabama National Guard to activate up to 100 guardsmen, should the need arise to combat COVID-19. There is no determined need for formal assistance at this time, nor is there a plan for the Guard to operate as any type of enforcement of public health orders. This action strictly serves as a preparedness measure, should first responders or health care providers need additional support. As of Friday, Alabama has 106 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Governor Ivey released the following statement: “While there is no immediate need for us to deploy our Guard, I have given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon to be on standby, should our first responders and health care providers need additional support. “I want to ensure Alabamians that our National Guard stands ready to be part of this team effort to combat this invisible enemy. “My administration has been given clear instructions to do everything possible to ensure the continuity of government while being flexible and responsible to the needs of our state. I ask for the support of my fellow Alabamians as we work through these challenging days together.”

Updated 3/20/20 Will Tornado Saferooms be open during a Tornado Watch or Warning? · The decision to seek shelter in a community storm shelter is certainly made more difficult by the consideration for COVID-19, and each individual will need to make an educated decision on where and when to shelter from a tornado. · At this time, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is recommending that your first priority should be to protect yourself from a potential tornado. If a warning is issued for your area, the tornado poses a greater threat to your safety than the virus. Is there a drive-thru test clinic in Calhoun County? · Yes it is located at the Medical Arts Building (230 E10th St Anniston, AL) · Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm · MUST HAVE A REFERRAL FROM A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE · For questions regarding this process, please contact RMC Monday- Friday, 8am-4:30pm at 256-235-5600. What does the AL State Health Officer Order Suspending Certain Public Gatherings Mean? · All gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. This Order shall apply to all gatherings, events or activities that bring 25 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time. · Prohibits visitors to hospitals and nursing homes/ long term care facilities · All elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed · All restaurants or similar establishments shall not permit on-premises consumption of food or drink · All public beaches closed. How do I receive updates about COVID-19 in Calhoun County? · Website: http://www.calhounema.org · Facebook: Calhoun County EMA https://www.facebook.com/CalhounCountyEMA/, · Twitter: BeReadyCalhoun https://twitter.com/BeReadyCalhoun · YouTube: Calhoun County EMA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt-AXMZbDLS8IJ6ZtA2H8Rw · Text Calcovid to 888-777 receive text updates · For additional questions about COVID-19 call 211

Attorney General Steve Marshall Warns Those Who Seek to Illegally Profit from State Public Health Emergency that Alabama’s Price Gouging Law is in Effect (MONTGOMERY)—Attorney General Steve Marshall warns those who would seek to illegally profit from the current public health emergency that Alabama’s price gouging law has been activated. On March 13, 2020, Governor Kay Ivey declared a State Public Health Emergency in Alabama relating to the appearance of the 2019 novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Alabama’s price gouging law comes into effect when the Governor declares a State of Emergency and it prohibits the “unconscionable pricing” of items for sale or rent. “Alabamians should be on guard against those who would seek to prey upon them through price gouging of commodities and services for consumption or use as a direct result of the public health emergency,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Furthermore, those who seek to profit during this time of emergency through price gouging will be subject to the law.” Although what constitutes an unconscionable price is not specifically set forth in state law, a price that is 25 percent or more above the average price charged in the same area within the last 30 days — unless the increase can be attributed to a reasonable cost in connection with the rental or sale of the commodity — is a prima facie case of unconscionable pricing. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, and those determined to have willfully and continuously violated this law may be prohibited from doing business in Alabama. Alabamians who want to file an illegal price gouging report are encouraged to do so via the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division web link: https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling 1-800-392-5658 to receive a form by mail to complete and return. You may also write the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130. Link to Attorney General;s Office Site https://www.alabamaag.gov/newsviewer/8b5c94b6-91bd-4289-83ec-e09c5aa0c6f7

The State Board of Health has designated COVID-19 to be a disease of epidemic potential, a threat to the health and welfare of the public, or otherwise of public health importance. 1. Effective today, March 19, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. This Order shall apply to all gatherings, events or activities that bring 25 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time. 2. Effective today, March 19, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all beaches shall be closed. For purposes of this section, the term "beach" means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points. 3. Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, all Senior Citizen Center gatherings shall be closed. Senior Citizen Centers and their partners are urged to assure that their clients continue to receive needed meals via curbside pick-up or delivery. 4. Effective at the close of school or business today, March 19, 2020, the following shall be closed: a. All schools, public and private, including but not limited to: elementary, secondary, post secondary, technical, or specialty schools, and colleges and universities. This school closure order is not intended to prevent any employers from making continued necessary staffing decisions. Employers are authorized to advise employees to work from home or maintain flexible work schedules. If working from home is not feasible, the employee should practice social distancing, maintaining consistent six-foot distance between persons, for the duration of this order and follow public health guidelines. b. Preschools and childcare centers. (1) This shall not apply to childcare centers operated for the exclusive benefit of essential employees of the following categories of employers: State and Local Governments, First Responders (including EMS and Fire Services), Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities), End Stage Renal Disease Treatment Centers, Pharmacies and Grocery Stores. For this exception to apply, the childcare center must be employer-operated and located on the premises of, or in the immediate vicinity of, one of these enumerated categories of employers, and a parent or guardian of each child shall be readily available. The childcare center must meet local and state fire and health requirements. (2) This shall also not apply to licensed childcare centers that contract to provide services exclusively to the above-named employers, or that provide services exclusively to children of essential employees of the above-named employers. (3) This shall also not apply to daytime special activities programs provided by local boards of education for children of essential employees of the above-named employers if those children were between the ages of 6 and 12 as of March 13, 2020. (4) In the childcare centers and special activities programs addressed in (1), (2), and (3) above, no more than 11 children shall be allowed in any one room at the same time, and operators of these centers and programs are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation practices consistent with guidance from the CDC and the Alabama Public Department of Public Health. 5. Effective immediately, all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity and end-of-life. 6. Effective immediately, all elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed. 7. Effective today, March 19, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all restaurants, bars, breweries, or similar establishments shall not permit on-premises consumption of food or drink. a. Such establishments may continue to offer food for take-out or delivery provided the social distancing protocols including maintaining a consistent six-foot distance between persons are followed. b. Such establishments are strongly encouraged to offer online ordering and curbside pick-up of food. c. Hospital food service areas are excluded from this order provided they have their own social distancing plan. 8. If organizers or sponsors of otherwise suspended events desire, they may submit a request for an exemption from this order, at the discretion of the State Health Officer. While the State Health Officer is under no obligation to grant such an exemption, it shall be fairly considered based on the following criteria: a. Effective measures have been taken to identify those attending the event who may potentially be affected with COVID-19, including but not limited to personal testing for the disease or submission of current medical clearances to the organizer. b. Effective measures have been taken to prevent the spread of infection even by those that are infected while not symptomatic, including the provision of anti­-infection measures such as proper face masks, personal sanitation measures, and other measures that may be considered proper. Requests for an exemption must be submitted AT LEAST two weeks in advance of any scheduled event. 9. Prior to April 6, 2020, a determination shall be made whether to extend this Order. Upon the effective dates and times set forth above, this Order supersedes all orders previously issued by the State Health Officer and Jefferson and Mobile County Health Officers, and shall remain in full force and effect until rescinded by order of the State Health Officer. The Jefferson and Mobile County Health Officers are authorized, after consultation with the State Health Officer, to implement more stringent measures as local circumstances require. Click the link to read full order https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A9f0f1ba5-246f-44b6-bed0-9657565ef495

1. Effective today, all non-work related gatherings of 25 persons or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. Employers shall take all reasonable steps to meet these standards for employees and customers.I 2. Effective March 19, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all beaches shall be closed. For purposes of this section, the term "beach" means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points. 3. Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, all regular programs at Senior Citizen Centers shall be ended except that Senior Citizen Centers and their partners are urged to assure that their clients continue to receive needed meals via curbside pick-up or delivery. 4. Effective today, the following shall be closed: a. In-person instruction or classes at all schools, public and private, including but not limited to: elementary, secondary, post-secondary, technical, or specialty schools, and colleges and universities. (1) This order is not intended to prevent any employers from making continued necessary staffing decisions. Employers are authorized to advise employees to work from home or maintain flexible work schedules. If working from home is not feasible, the employee should practice social distancing, maintaining consistent six-foot distance between persons, for the duration of this order and follow public health guidelines. (2) This order shall not apply to daytime special activities programs provided by local boards of education for children, ages 6 through 12 as of March 13, 2020, of First Responders (including EMS and Fire Services) and Licensed Healthcare Providers, and their essential employees, and essential employees of the following categories of employers: State and Local Governments, Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Nursing Home/Long Tenn Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities), End Stage Renal Disease Treatment Centers, Pharmacies, and Grocery Stores. In these special activities programs, 12 or more children shall not be allowed in any one room at the same time, and operators of these programs are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation practices consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health.b. Facilities providing child day care, including any child day care facility described in Ala. Code § 38-7-2, at which 12 or more children are in a room or other enclosed or separated space at the same time. Center employees are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation and social distancing practices consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health. This Order does not change the Minimum Standards for Day Care promulgated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, except that 12 or more children shall not be allowed in a room or other enclosed or separated space at the same time. 5. Effective immediately, all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation of all visitors, as defined by the facility, and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity and end-of-life. 6. Effective immediately, all elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed. 7. Effective March 19, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all restaurants, bars, breweries, or similar establishments shall not permit on-premises consumption of food or drink. a. Such establishments may continue to offer food for take-out or delivery provided the social distancing protocols, including maintaining a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are followed. b. Such establishments are strongly encouraged to offer online ordering and curbside pick-up of food. c. Hospital food service areas are excluded from this order provided they have their own social distancing plan. 8. If organizers or sponsors of otherwise suspended events desire, they may submit a request for an exemption from this order, at the discretion of the State Health Officer. While the State Health Officer is under no obligation to grant such an exemption, it shall be fairly considered based on the following criteria: a. Effective measures have been taken to identify those attending the event who may potentially be affected with COVID-19, including but not limited to personal testing for the disease or submission of current medical clearances to the organizer. b. Effective measures have been taken to prevent the spread of infection even by those that are infected while not symptomatic, including the provision of anti­-infection measures such as proper face masks, personal sanitation measures, and other measures that may be considered proper. 9. Prior to April 6, 2020, a determination shall be made whether to extend this Order. Upon the effective dates and times set forth above, this Order supersedes all orders previously issued by the State Health Officer and Jefferson and Mobile County Health Officers, and shall remain in full force and effect until rescinded by order of the State Health Officer. The Jefferson and Mobile County Health Officers are authorized, after approval by the State Health Officer, to implement more stringent measures as local circumstances require. Click Here for full order

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED (03/18/20)Anniston City Council Declares State of Emergency: Be it known, that today (03/18/20), the City Council of Anniston passed a Declaration of a State of Emergency, as it relates to COVID-19 in the City of Anniston; thereby, appointing the Mayor and City Manager as the directors of the city's emergency management, and does confer upon the Mayor and City Manager, and their delegees, the authority and responsibility for the organization, administration, and operation of the city's emergency management functions, among other specific empowerments and authorizations. The City of Anniston, would like its citizens to be aware that the Alabama Dept. of Public Health made it known to the public, at 10:05AM today through an update to their website, that Calhoun County has one confirmed case of COVID-19 as of 03/18/20 at 4:10PM (Link: https://bit.ly/3b4PZdH). According to the Alabama Dept. of Public Health, there are fifty-one confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama and no deaths. At this time, the Alabama Dept. of Public Health has adopted the policy of not sharing the personal information of a confirmed COVID-19 patient, as to protect their personal privacy. That said, it is expected that additional positive cases may emerge in the coming days, as testing for the disease continues to expand. Therefore, Anniston city leadership urges all of its citizens to continue social distancing practices, and to adhere to the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Alabama Dept. of Public Health. Furthermore, be it known that in an effort to adhere our community to the safest practices recommended by both the CDC and the Alabama Dept. of Public Health, the City of Anniston will take the following precautionary measures for the health and safety of our residents: COMMUNITY CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION Changes to Operating Hours Until End of April 2020: The following City of Anniston public community centers will now be open from 10:00AM - 6:00PM on Monday through Thursday, 1:00PM - 5:00PM on Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM on Saturday, and will be closed on Sunday: the Carver Community Center, Norwood Hodges Community Center, South Highland Community Center, and Wiggins Community Center. In addition, the Anniston Aquatic & Fitness Center will now operate from 5:30AM - 5:30PM on Monday through Friday, 7:00AM until 5:00PM on Saturday, and 1:00PM until 5:00PM on Sunday. Please note, these operating changes will be reevaluated on 04/30/20. Furthermore, be aware that additional changes may be implemented based on the nature of the situation. ANNISTON MUSEUMS & GARDENS TEMPORARY CLOSURE Temporary Closure Until End of April 2020: Anniston Museums and Gardens (AM&G) will temporarily close to the public (effective Thursday, 03/19/20). This closure is a public health precaution, and it shall be reevaluated on 04/30/20. Please note, that AM&G employees will still be available to offer assistance and answer questions at the following points of contact: Anniston Museum of Natural History: 256-237-6766, Berman Museum: 256-237-6261, Longleaf Botanical Gardens: 256-237-6766

WHEREAS, World Wide Health Pandemic constitutes a serious hazard to lives in the City of Oxford, Alabama; and WHEREAS, there is an existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of Pandemic Emergency having effect in the City of Oxford and the City is under eminent danger of loss of life due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) WHEREAS, Governor, Kay Ivey has issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in the State of Alabama; and WHEREAS, ALA CODE 31-9-10(1975) provides the power and authority for a political subdivision such as the City of Oxford, AL to declare a state of local emergency. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City of Oxford that a State of Local Emergency is declared, effective 12:00 o;clock p.m., on this date for the City of Oxford, Alabama, and that Alton Craft, Mayor, is hereby authorized to waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivision by law, including but not limited to: a. Performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community b. Entering into contracts. c. Incurring obligations. d. Employment of temporary workers f. Rental of Equipment g. Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities. h. Appropriation of expenditure of public funds APPROVED and ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 2020

The President of the United States having declared a national emergency and the Governor of Alabama having declared a state of emergency for the State of Alabama due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the County Commission's regularly scheduled meeting for Thursday, March, 26, 2020 is being cancelled. Also, please note the County offices will be closed March 19, 2020 through March 29, 2020. County buildings and business are scheduled to resume normal operations on March 30, 2020; however, the County will be reassessing as this is an ongoing situation. Done this the 18th day of March, 2020 CALHOUN COUNTY COMMISSION

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – MONTGOMERY – The following statement is from Secretary of State John H. Merrill: When I took office as Alabama’s 53rd Secretary of State, I set out to ensure a free and fair elections process for the people of Alabama. First and foremost, however, the safety and well-being of every single Alabamian is my top priority. The guidelines prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health have made it clear that it is no longer advisable for the people of Alabama to go to the polls to vote on March 31. The opportunity to participate in the electoral process and have one’s voice heard at the polls is one that we will continue to protect and advocate for. In postponing the March 31 Runoff Election to July 14, we are continuing Alabama’s practice of providing free and fair elections that do not compromise the safety and health of our voters, poll workers, and anyone else who may be involved with the elections process. This new date will allow for the electoral process to continue in a normal manner. This delay will allow all local election officials the time to assess and evaluate the changes that must be made to ensure the Runoff Election is administered according to plan. Eligible Alabamians may continue to register to vote in the Runoff Election until Monday, June 29. Absentee ballot applications that have already been successfully submitted will be valid for the July 14, 2020 Runoff Election. To check on the status of your application, please contact your local Absentee Election Manager. All absentee ballot applications must be received by the close of business on Thursday, July 9. If delivered by hand, absentee ballots must be received by the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business Monday, July 13. If returning by mail, the last day to postmark an absentee ballot is Monday, July 13. Voters eligible to vote pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act will have until Tuesday, July 14 to postmark an absentee ballot. I am grateful to Governor Ivey and General Marshall for their proactive leadership, sincere dedication, and spirit of teamwork that we have seen displayed during these trying times to ensure we are providing a safe and secure environment for all 3,585,209 voters in the State of Alabama to participate in the electoral process.

(Anniston, AL) – March 18, 2020 - Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) today opened a drive-thru Coronavirus (COVID-19) screening and specimen collection center at 230 E 10th Street, in the parking lot of the Medical Arts Building. The drive-thru testing facility is designated ONLY for patients who have been referred for testing by their primary care health provider. “We are requiring that patients first be evaluated by their healthcare provider to determine if they are a candidate for testing,” said Louis Bass, CEO of RMC. “We have a very limited amount of testing kits and are trying to conserve the limited supply for those patients that are in most need of testing. Health care providers will use designated screening criteria to determine if a referral to the screening clinic is necessary.” Local physicians have received instructions from RMC on the protocol to follow to send a referral for a patient to be received. Once RMC receives a patient referral, they will have dedicated resources to pre-register and schedule a patient for a potential screening slot. Patients will be contacted by RMC with appointment availability and instructions. Symptoms and current testing criteria for COVID-19 include the following: • Fever (100.4 or higher) • Signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath). RMC will have a limited number of tests available each day and may have to make changes to our schedule based on that availability and demand, according to Bass. “The drive-thru screening site will be staffed M-F from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a RMC provider that will review the referral received from a primary care physician and reassess to confirm that a patient meets testing criteria,” Bass said. “But it’s important to note that if a patient does not meet the testing criteria, they will not be tested.” Current turnaround time for COVID-19 test results has averaged between five and seven days. RMC will contact a patient and their healthcare provider directly if a positive test result is returned. Patients will also receive instructions at the drive thru screening site on how to sign up for Chartfast.com to access their results. For questions regarding this process, please contact RMC Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm at 256-238-5600. Official Resources: CDC recommendations for Workplace and Commercial establishments best practices: https://www.cdc.gov/…/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf CDC COVID-19 Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html http://alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/2019-coronavirus.html For more information, visit www.RMCcares.org