MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama lawmakers approved additional money Thursday for coronavirus testing and response to increase the number of people being screened for the rapidly spreading illness.
Alabama lawmakers approved a $5 million supplemental appropriation for the Alabama Department of Public Health to fund coronavirus preparations. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said the funding should help provide centers where people can obtain a test if their doctor believes it is necessary. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed the appropriation.
“That’s the key. You are not going to stop the spread of this disease ladies and gentleman, you have to slow it down to give the medical community time to deal with it,” Marsh told lawmakers. The Department of Public Health did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
The vote came on the same day that the Alabama Department of Public Health recommended that people avoid large public gatherings with more than 500 people – schools and workplaces not included. Meanwhile, Auburn University, Troy University and other institutions announced a shift to online classes.
Alabama is one of the few states that has not had a confirmed case of coronavirus, but health officials cautioned that there are likely unidentified cases in the state. The state lab has so far tested about 50 people, in addition to tests now being done by private laboratories, state health officials said.