DECATUR, Ala. — The Rotary Club of Decatur and Epic Church have joined Westmeade Baptist Church of Decatur in providing assistance to those who need help to register for COVID vaccination appointments starting on March 15.
The groups are aiming to help elderly members of the community and those without internet to register for appointments. The groups are taking calls to remotely assist eligible Morgan County community members register for a vaccine appointment.
Westmeade Baptist Church:
- 256-353-2490
- Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Rotary Club of Decatur:
- 256-303-1123
- Monday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Epic Church:
- 256-584-7080
- Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The groups are asking that individuals verify that they are eligible to receive the vaccine prior to calling for assistance.
"We'll take their information, nothing too intrusive. But just name, address, birthdate - things like that. We'll need to clarify which category they fall under and we'll just get them all signed up right then and there," says Westmeade Baptist Church Senior Pastor Justine McAlpin.
Callers will wait to hear back from the health department on when they'll be scheduled. Leaders say the helpline will be active for as long as it's needed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.