UPDATE 3-14-2020

State Health Officer Scott Harris announced that the Alabama Department of Public Health has set up a call center for people wanting information about being tested for the coronavirus. He said it’s a resource for people who are concerned about whether they need to be tested and how they could go about it.

The number is 1-888-264-2256.

Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council would like residents and visitors to know they are committed to their health and safety during this tumultuous time. City Officials are actively monitoring the evolving situation related to the outbreak of COVID-19 and want to assure the public that all possible precautionary measures to prevent the spread of this illness in the Gulf Shores community are being taken.

City Officials are following all recommendations provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In all public facilities the frequency of cleaning and sanitation routines have been increased, additional hand sanitizing stations have been provided, personal hygiene including hand-washing is being encouraged by posting informational signage in restrooms and throughout city buildings.

Earlier this morning, Governor Kay Ivey released a statement that included information from State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris providing recommendations for personal health habits and cancellation or postponement of gatherings with more than 500 people in attendance. Upcoming public event cancelations in Gulf Shores will be determined by the city on a case by case basis, depending on the potential risk to the community.

The City of Gulf Shores will continue to provide public updates at www.gulfshoresal.gov and through social media. Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive update notifications by visiting our website and clicking the “Notify Me” button.

Tips to Prevent COVID-19

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

oWash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

oAvoid close contact with people who are sick.

oAvoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

oStay home when you are sick.

oCover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

oClean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Currently persons at risk for COVID-19 include:

oSomeone who traveled to or from an affected geographic area* with widespread community transmission and has fever (including subjective fever) and symptoms of lower respiratory illness (for example cough, shortness of breath)

*As of 3/4/2020 countries affected include China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran. Visit CDC Coronavirus Travel for updates.

oSomeone with close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 symptomatic patient and has fever (including subjective) or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (for example cough, shortness of breath).

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks department: 1-800-338-8374 before traveling to any physician’s office, emergency department, hospital or urgent care center, to ensure proper protective measures are taken to prevent further risk of spread to others. If possible, also review your signs, symptoms and travel history with your physician over the phone. Your physician will evaluate you for other possible causes of respiratory illness and contact the county health department to access COVID-19 testing. If you are without health insurance or a health care provider, please contact your county health department so the health department can coordinate your medical evaluation and testing.

Most people with confirmed COVID-19 infection reportedly have mild to moderate respiratory illness and can be managed at home in coordination with their health care provider and local health department. Persons with severe illness may be hospitalized.