Marengo’s COVID-19 cases, deaths increase; more testing available

Published 12:38 pm Thursday, May 21, 2020

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Marengo County has surpassed the century mark of COVID-19 cases with the Alabama Department of Public Health reporting a total of 119 for the county on Thursday morning. Along with an increase of 33 cases over the past nine days, deaths from the coronavirus also increased by two for a total of six.

During the previous seven-day span, from May 5 to May 12, the number of cases had increased by 20. During that week 159 additional people had been reported as tested. Over the past nine days, the ADPH is reporting that an additional 374 people were tested, bringing the total for the county to 1,096.

Testing for the coronavirus continues at Whitfield Regional Hospital as well as new sites supported by Walmart, Quest Diagnostics, and state and local officials. Those tests are being held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Demopolis National Guard Armory. An appointment for testing can be at www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com, but on-site scheduling also will be available. The testing is also available in Thomasville, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, at the Thomas Regional Medical Center.

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More testing is being made available through Cahaba Medical, which is conducting testing at two locations in Marengo County. The first is today, Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Providence Community Center.

The second testing site will be held Tuesday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Linden Hwy. 43 Polling Center, across from the Marengo County Courthouse.

There is no charge for Cahaba Medical testing and no appointment is needed. Anyone can be tested at no charge. Those with insurance are asked to provide that information. Those who do not have insurance can still be tested.

Tuesday’s updated COVID-19 data for surrounding counties includes: Sumter County has reported 148 cases and four deaths; Wilcox County has 97 cases and five deaths; Greene County has 87 cases, four deaths; Hale County has 96 and two deaths; Clarke County, 81 cases and two deaths; Dallas County is reporting 159 cases with three deaths; Choctaw County has 92 cases and three deaths; and Perry County is reporting 22 cases with no deaths.

While Governor Kay Ivey has lifted some restrictions, health officials say the public should still exercise caution.

“COVID-19 is still very much present and spreading across Alabama, as our state continues to experience an increase in cases,” said WRH CEO Doug Brewer. “Make no mistake, you and the people you love are still safer at home. All vulnerable individual should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home.”