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Alabama coronavirus outlook worsening amid state reopening

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
Posted at 9:26 AM, May 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-23 09:26:33-04

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Health officials are worried that Alabama's coronavirus caseload is increasing and residents aren't guarding against COVID-19 as it opens its casinos, church and more.

Parking lots are filling up again outside many businesses, and in many places it's rare to see people wearing face masks.

University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban has released a video encouraging people to cover their faces and practice social distancing.

But it's unclear whether that will help, and health officials are concerned.

Hospitalizations have increased since April, as have the overall number of cases in the state.

Officials say it's unclear whether the increase is linked to more testing or more disease.