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You’re safer at home.

That’s the message reiterated Friday Alabama Department of Public Health, one day after the state saw nearly 850 new cases of COVID-19.

With the virus spreading exponentially in the state, the ADPH reiterated the ongoing community transmission means residents are safest if they stay at home.

“COVID-19 spreads quickly, and your actions affect others,” said Dr. Scott Harris, state health officer. “More than ever since the pandemic began, we need people to social distance, wear face coverings in public, and practice good respiratory hygiene.”

More than 800 cases were reported statewide on June 11. More than 750 Alabama residents have died from the novel coronavirus COVID-19, more than 2,000 have been hospitalized with the virus, and about 22,000 have had confirmed positive cases.
Measures needed to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 are as follows:
· Cover coughs and sneezes, do not touch your face, and wash hands often.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
· Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others not in your household.
·  Use cloth face coverings when in public.
· Clean and disinfect frequently used items and touched surfaces often.
Any person can contract COVID-19, but certain people are more at risk including:
·  People who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members.
·  Persons over 65 years of age and those with serious health conditions — heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, HIV, any condition that affects the immune system, persons with body mass index over 40, persons with liver disease, persons who live in long-term care.
Alabama has experienced outbreaks at the workplace, long-term care facilities, and as a result of large gatherings, such as those occurring during the Memorial Day holiday. Although an estimated 13,500 Alabamians are presumed to have recovered from COVID-19, too many people have experienced short- and long-term  complications.
ADPH reminds the public that their own behavior is crucial to stay healthy and to protect their family and community. For more information, go to alabamapublichealth.gov.