Alabama health department: COVID-19 surge connected to large social gatherings

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Alabama reported more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. One of the highest numbers reported on a single day since the pandemic started back in March. In October, the large spike, ADPH issued a disclaimer that a large “dump” old tests were received. No such disclaimer was issued on this occasion.

2,262 confirmed cases were reported Friday. Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health told ABC 33/40,

The number of cases reported today does not represent a data backlog. It is not the highest day reported during this pandemic, but is a very high number. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) urges all Alabamians to follow social distancing, use of the cloth face covering, and respiratory hygiene to reduce transmission of COVID 19.

In a news release Friday, the Alabama Dept. of Public Health said the new cases were a result of social gatherings of more than 10 persons, including attendance at fall or Halloween parties, sporting events, work related meetings, and church sponsored activities. Other contributors to these numbers are cases in the preschool, school, and college age population, as well as some cases in healthcare workers, congregate settings, long term care, and travel.

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• Total reported cases statewide - 213,617
• Total confirmed cases - 180,275
• Total probable cases - 33,342
• Total reported deaths statewide - 3,231
• Total confirmed COVID-19 deaths - 2,989
• Total probable COVID-19 deaths - 242
• Total confirmed cases in the last 14 days - 23,570
• Total tested in the last 14 days (diagnostic) - 106,373
• Total tested DIAGNOSTIC - 1,440,875
• Total tested ANTIBODY - 67,410
• Total hospitalizations to date - 22,190
• Presumed recoveries [UPDATED WEEKLY] - 88,038