Health Department warns of coronavirus spike

Thank you for joining us tonight -- i'm dan shaffer.

And i'm najahe sherman.

The alabama department of pubilc health is asking parents to keep a closer eye on their children's health over the next two weeks.

Right now - six counties in the state are considered to be at "very high risk" for coronavirus spread - and five of those are right here in north alabama.

Waay 31's casey albrtton spoke to doctor karen landers with the state health department... she learned we could see a spike in coronavirus cases as students return from fall break.

Parent/ cyle lewis "we're all a lot more nervous this year, because any normal cold or flu or allergies symptoms are escalated with a lot of fear that it might be covid."

Cyle lewis has four children--and she's concerned there could be a spike in coronavirus cases over the next few weeks.

Parent/ cyle lewis "i think definitely with everyone going on fall break and going different places, being exposed to different people, there probably is that risk."

Her family traveled to georgia last week for fall break-- and made sure to wear masks while out in public.

Parent/ cyle lewis "we wore them because we had them in the car and we are used to it."

It's something doctor karen landers with the alabama department of public health says is important to keep doing.

Dr. landers "people need to think about crowds, to think about opportunities for close contact and to think about close spaces."

She says people need to take even more precautions as we enter the holiday season.

Dr. landers "if we look at memorial and the fourth of july, the state of alabama significantly increased in numbers after both of those holidays."

Dr. landers says the percent positivity rate has been hovering around seven and a half percent--and that's still too high... and lewis says she's doing everything she can to make sure that number decreases.

Parent/ cyle lewis "we do try to have them shower nightly.

I try to wash everything they wore just because of things they could have been exposed to."

Dr. landers says as we get closer to the holiday season it's important to remember, it's possible to get both the flu and coroanvirus at the same time.

She says people should avoid large gatherings.

Health officails are stressing the importance of the flu shot this year and you can get yours tomorrow.

The limestone county health department is scheduled to host a drive-thru flu clinic.

It will be at the athens sports- plex from 9 to 2 -- or until supplies last.

Flu shots are free with some insurance companies.

They'll cost 2-dollars for others or