There are currently 79 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents of Perry County. 36 of those cases (almost half the total diagnoses) have been confirmed within the past two weeks. This recent spike has affected individuals across all age groups, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

While 79 may seem like a small number of cases in comparison to the number of coronavirus infections reported in larger cities, Perry County’s coronavirus prevalence rate is now at 885 per 100,000. This means that, when controlling for population, Perry County has experienced more COVID-19 infections that Jefferson County, which has a prevalence rate of 402 per 100,000, or Tuscaloosa County, which has a prevalence rate of 677 per 100,000.

Statewide, only 20% of COVID-19 patients have been over the age of 65. 41% of cases were among 25 to 49-year-olds, and another 22% of patients were between 50 and 64. Children and teenagers have also been diagnosed with COVID-19. While African-Americans have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus in the nation as a whole, 35% of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Alabama were Caucasian. These statistics illustrate that everyone is at risk for the coronavirus.

Our case rate in Perry County is growing at an alarming rate. Please do your part to protect yourself and your loved ones by taking precautions. Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others. Do not gather in groups. Stay home whenever possible. Cover your nose and mouth when you are in public. Wash your hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Most of all, please stay home if you believe you may have the virus unless you are seeking medical attention. Together, we can slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 in Perry County.