Alabama Reports Record Single-Day Coronavirus Cases, Hospitalizations

Alabama's Department of Health reported a new single-day record increase Friday in both coronavirus cases and hospitalizations caused by the novel virus.

According to the state's department of health, there were at least 1,758 newly reported cases as of Friday, June 3, topping a previous high of over 1,400, reported on June 28. The state's 7-day average number of cases rose to a new record, with 1,092. There were also 22 new deaths reported.

Additionally, the number of coronavirus patients hospitalized as of Friday increased to 843, the highest number the state has reported since the start of the pandemic. The testing positivity rate has also increased across Alabama to 11 percent.

In the state, there are now at least 41,362 confirmed cases of the novel virus, as well as 983 deaths. Across Alabama, the majority of cases have been reported in Jefferson County, with at least 4,802 confirmed cases, Mobile County, with at least 3,904 and Tuscaloosa County, with at least 2,185.

The surge in cases across Alabama come shortly after Governor Kay Ivey announced an extension to the statewide safer-at-home order. The order was first put into place on May 22 and was set to expire on July 3, but the recent decision by Ivey extends the order until July 31.

"We should not think that because our summer feels more normal than our spring that we're back to normal," Ivey said at a news conference on Monday, when announcing the extension. "The fact is, folks, we are still in the thick of this virus disease, and it is deadly."

During her press conference, Ivey also urged residents across the state to wear protective face masks when out in public.

"When you're in public, for goodness sake, wear a mask," she said, adding that while she could issue a statewide mask requirement, "it would be next to impossible to enforce."

"But you know you shouldn't have to order someone to do what's in your best interest," the Alabama governor added.

Additionally, Ivey suggested that if residents across the state don't take action to slow the spread of the virus, the state could impose stricter restrictions.

"If we continue going in the wrong direction, and our hospitals are not able to handle the capacity, then we're going to reserve the right to come back and reverse course," she said. "Living with COVID-19 has become our new normal, and we should expect to live with it as long as it takes until the cases start to decline or our medical experts find a vaccine."

Newsweek reached out to the Alabama Department of Health for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.