The City of Madison continues to meet with Health Officials to stay abreast of the COVID-19 status in our area. Find information on testing, and precautions to take locally through the pandemic. Madison remains in a State of Emergency to allow leaders to make quick decisions regarding gatherings and/or purchasing needs. Please practice social distancing, wear masks in public, and thoroughly wash hands throughout the day. The following links are trusted and verified sources for our community:
Madison City Schools Alternative Learning
Huntsville Hospital Fever and Flu Clinic
Crestwood Medical Center Patient Guidelines
Alabama Department of Public Health
CDC Corona Virus Guidelines
World Health Organization
Huntsville Madison County Chamber Economic and Business Resources
CDC Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Workers
State Health Orders Statewide:
Governor Ivey issued the next phase of "Safer at Home" for Alabama. The State will gradually reopen in stages to protect the welfare of citizens, while also rehabilitating the economy. Residents are encouraged to stay home as the risk of COVID-19 is still high, and it is highly suggested to wear masks while in public spaces. The updated orders will go into effect May 22nd at 5:00 pm.
NEW UPDATES:
Entertainment venues such as arcades, theaters, bowling alleys are open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
Athletic practice will be allowed on May 23; competition allowed on June 15; all subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
Educational Institutions may open on June 1 subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
Child day care facilities may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
Summer caps will open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
FULL STATE HEALTH ORDERS
ADPH Hotline Information
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has activated a statewide informational hotline and a general information e-mail address to field questions from the public about the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The addition of a hotline for general questions will give the public the ability to speak with someone who can direct them to information that will lead to better informed decisions to protect their health.
The toll-free hotline and e-mail address are as follows:
· COVID-19 General Information - 800-270-7268
Telephone calls are answered from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
· The COVID-19 General Information Email address - covid19info@adph.state.al.us
In addition, a toll-free phone line provides information about available testing sites and hours of operation. This phone number is 888-264-2256. Callers will be asked for their zip code to help locate the site nearest them.
The ADPH website at alabamapublichealth.gov also offers a wealth of information and guidance about COVID-19 recommendations. Frequently asked questions are answered at http://alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/cov-faq.html
ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Governor Kay Ivey announced that small businesses across Alabama negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistance under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
***Special Message from Governor Ivey to Small Businesses***
Click here to register for free webinars and learn more about the application process: ASBDC.org/register
The program will help qualified businesses and non-profit organizations recover from economic losses tied to the abrupt downturn triggered by the COVID-19 disease.
“Small businesses represent the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and many of them need immediate help in these trying times,” Governor Ivey said. “My team has worked closely with the SBA in recent days to make this economic assistance possible. We’re all grateful to President Trump and the SBA for responding rapidly to the problems faced by small businesses in Alabama.”
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for an eligible small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
These low-interest loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
Businesses must qualify for EIDL assistance. For more information, go to the SBA’s COVID-19 disaster assistance web page.
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the department’s Office of Small Business Advocacy has heard from many small business owners around the state who are being squeezed by the sudden decline in economic activity brought on by the emergence of coronavirus.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities all across Alabama, employing local residents and sustaining economic vitality,” Secretary Canfield said. “It’s critical that small businesses around the state remain healthy, and the SBA’s disaster loan program could prove to be a lifeline for many of them.”
Commerce worked with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Small Business Development Center to prepare Alabama’s application for the SBA’s EIDL program. The SBA granted Alabama’s application today.
“This was a team effort that will help many small business owners in Alabama make it through this crisis and move forward to thrive once again,” Governor Ivey said.
According to data from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are nearly 400,000 small businesses in Alabama, employing nearly half of all Alabama workers.
COVID Scams
The Madison community needs to be aware of potential scams concerning COVID-19. The FCC has received reports of scam and hoax text message campaigns and scam robocalls offering free home testing kits, promoting bogus cures, selling health insurance, and preying on virus-related fears. Do not answer any text, email or phone messages asking for your personal or financial information.
Find more information at https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams.