BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Deaths linked to COVID-19 climbed above 4,670 in Alabama ahead of Christmas, which health experts fear will lead to even more illness and misery because of holiday travel and family gatherings.
The state has added more than 4,000 new cases of the illness daily over the last week, and hospitalizations are above 2,500 people statewide.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University say the state’s pandemic death toll of 4,676 ranked 24th in the nation.
Health experts say wearing masks and staying away from others while the national vaccination program is beginning could help slow the spread of the virus.