All 50 states have at least to an extent started to open their economies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With this will come a natural increase in cases. An increase in testing also plays a role here.
However, some states are struggling to find a happy medium between opening the economy and public health. Alabama is one of said states.
Alabama initiated its phased reopening under guidelines set forth by Governor Kay Ivey back in late April. Since then, the state has seen a dramatic increase in cases.
According to Associated Press numbers (h/t The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), new daily cases have risen from 268 to 307 over the past 14 days. Positive test results have also climbed sharply from 6.7% to 7.5%.
Ivey’s decision to open up casinos and places of worship have obviously played a role in this increase.
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban has talked a lot about the need to follow safety protocols in order for the 2020 college football season to start as scheduled.
“You need to be staying 6 feet away from me, and haven’t I told you you have to wear a mask when you’re in this building?,” Saban noted recently.
This increase in both positive tests and positive test rate could very well impact the Crimson Tide’s ability to start the season as scheduled. That’s magnified by the fact that there has been a recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the home of Crimson Tide football.
Alabama’s home opener is slated for Sept. 12 against Georgia State. Said game is now very much in question.