COVID Spike, State's First Chick-Fil-A Closing: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Unfortunately for those who thought the coronavirus pandemic was drawing to a close, Alabama has seen an uptick in new cases of the virus, and remains dead last in the country in vaccinations.

Gov. Kay Ivey spoke out about the lack of vaccinated Alabamians, and a doctor at Grandview Medical Center gave a heartfelt account of treating these new COVID-19 patients, as Alabama has drawn national attention for its poor vaccination numbers.

Also in the news, the Chick-fil-A restaurant at Brookwood Village — the first Chick-fil-A in Alabama — will close, as the owner plans to open a new store in Cahaba Heights.

Here are those and more stories from this past week on Patch:

'Unvaccinated Folks Are Letting Us Down': Ivey On COVID Outbreak

Thursday during an appearance in Birmingham, Gov. Kay Ivey said the recent uptick in cases in the state can be blamed on those who refuse to get the vaccine.

Alabama's First Chick-fil-A Is Closing

After nearly 50 years in business, Chick-fil-a will close its Brookwood Village location July 31, according to the restaurant's owner.

Reopening Plan Released By Birmingham City Schools

With the 2021-22 school year set to start in just a matter of weeks, Birmingham City Schools released its reopening plan amid rising COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County.

'I'm Sorry But It's Too Late': AL Doctor To Dying COVID Patients

A Grandview Medical Center doctor's recent Facebook post recounting how COVID-19 patients under her care beg for the vaccine before being intubated is drawing attention to the threat still posed by COVID-19.

Tarrant City Councilman Uses Racial Slur During Meeting

A racial slur used by a Tarrant City Council member during Monday night's meeting has state officials calling for his resignation.