COVID-19 hospitalization rate down in Alabama COVID-19 hospitalizations are down in Alabama By Kate Smith | January 26, 2021 at 6:00 PM CST - Updated January 26 at 6:54 PM HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Alabama is starting to see a slight decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations. It’s the first sign of relief for health care workers as post-holiday surges crippled hospitals across the state. Our Kate Smith spoke with the President and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association for what to watch for in the days ahead. “We are looking at 30% plus declines in hospitalization,” said Dr. Don Williamson. “We are likewise looking at 40% decline in daily new cases.”