Last year’s onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused Alabama to have more deaths than births in the state.
These preliminary statistics indicated the first time in history that more individuals died in the “Heart of Dixie” than were born. In 2020, Alabama recorded 64,714 deaths compared to just 57,641 births. Officials said they would positively confirm these numbers at the end of this year.
If Alabama, which has over five million residents, stays on its current path, 2021 could also see lower birth rates. Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris confirmed that the coronavirus was to blame.
During a news conference on Friday, Harris expressed that while hospitalization numbers are dropping, it is likely due to patients dying from the virus. He confirmed that there are still no ICU beds available, creating a new set of challenges for patients suffering from other life-threatening conditions. In a glimmer of hope, Harris announced over 1.9 million residents in the state are fully vaccinated, with about 36,000 people having received the booster shot.
