Coronavirus In November: Alabama Adds More than 57K New Cases

MONTGOMERY, AL — From a pure numbers standpoint, comparing October in Alabama to November in regard to the spread of COVID-19 is like night and day. After seeing a significant decrease in cases and deaths from the virus in October, Alabama had its worst month yet in November.

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported 57,239 new cases of COVID-19 in November, up from 37,584 new cases in October.

So what changed?

Health professionals point to a variety of factors that may have led to the spike in cases after dramatic decreases seen from August to October. Most of the experts point to "COVID fatigue" as a primary reason. In essence, people tired of having to adhere to safety guidelines and social distancing or just complacency after reassuring numbers were reported in September led Alabamians back to summer month numbers.

Schools welcoming students back to campuses statewide, sporting events, social gatherings and work meetings are all examples cited by health officials of factors that have led to the undoing of any positive momentum the state had in curbing the spread of the virus.

In July, Alabama reported 49,678 new cases of COVID-19, which prompted Gov. Kay Ivey to mandate face coverings for all Alabamians. This seemed to work, as the number of new cases dropped in August to 38,335, and then to 28,643 in September.

The state has confirmed 3,246 deaths from COVID-19, with another 332 deaths listed at "probable" from the virus. November accounted for 229 of those deaths.

A total of 1,609 patients are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, the most at any point in the pandemic.

A breakdown of new cases and fatalities in Alabama each month of the pandemic:

• March: 989 new cases; 425 deaths
• April: 6069 new cases; 309 deaths
• May: 11,188 new cases; 379 deaths
• June: 19,804 new cases; 349 deaths
• July: 49,678 new cases; 602 deaths
• August: 38,335 new cases; 647 deaths
• September: 28,643 new cases; 341 deaths
• October: 37,584 new cases; 297 deaths
• November: 57,239 new cases; 229 deaths

SEE ALSO:

• Mask Order Extended In Alabama Into December
• Coronavirus: AL State Health Officials 'Worried' About Holidays
• Support Program Helps Residents With Bills During Pandemic