MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — Nearly 11,000 people in the U.S. have been tested for COVID-19.
As of Monday morning, fewer than 20 tests had been run by the Alabama Department of Public Health. According to the ADPH, they have an "adequate" amount of test kits and say people are being tested daily.
The Alabama Senate approved $5 million Thursday to fight the spread of COVID-19. This is just one of many ways the state is preparing.
Organizations in Madison County are working to prevent the spread of the virus.
Huntsville Hospital told WZDX Thursday morning they have no patients in quarantine for COVID-19 but are ready for it.
Senior Vice President at Huntsville Hospital, Tracy Doughty, said, "If this happens here, our emergency departments are prepared to take care of these patients, and our physicians offices are asking patients about their travel history and if they've been in contact with anybody with a confirmed COVID-19 illness and if that's the case, we'll definitely isolate those patients."
Area nursing homes are requiring visitors to wash their hands when they arrive and when they leave.
Local schools are also taking precautions, like making sure classrooms are cleaned thoroughly. As of right now, no school systems in Madison County plan to close schools.
Madison County Schools Superintendent Allen Perkins sent out a letter Wednesday stating "If we become aware of a risk of exposure, we will take steps to limit or temporarily cancel extracurricular activities."
The University of Alabama in Huntsville announced Thursday they will be moving all classes online starting Monday. They haven't set a date for when things will return to normal, but it's expected to be after spring break.
The Huntsville Saint Patrick's Day Parade is also cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. This is the first time in over 40 years that the parade has been cancelled.
The Huntsville Havoc is suspending their season, and other businesses like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center say they are taking things day by day.
Read the full Madison County Schools letter here.
