State Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, released a statement Friday regarding his health following his hospitalization and diagnosis of COVID-19. Both he and his wife, Oline Price, have the virus.
“I have been overwhelmed with prayers, love and support since Oline and I fell ill, and it’s something that I will never forget,” Price said. “Thankfully, my wife, Oline has recovered fully, and I am thrilled to report that, although my condition was once serious, I’m getting better each day under the best care in our state. I want to personally thank the nurses and doctors at East Alabama Medical Center for the first-class care I have received during this time.”
The coronavirus has spread rapidly across Alabama. Sen. Price and his wife are among 62,111 people to have contracted the novel strain of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. At least 1,232 Alabamians have died from COVID-19.
“We all know someone who has COVID-19, and it is so important to follow the advice of public health experts: wear a mask, wash your hands or use sanitizer, respect social distancing, and don’t get complacent,” Price warned. “If you’re in a position to do so, please follow the example of my wonderful wife and donate plasma to help others. We’re going to get through this and ultimately prevail over the virus. Until that happens, let’s make smart decisions that keep us all happy and healthy for years to come.”
Sen. Price had been a very outspoken advocate for reopening the Alabama economy and lifting the stay at home order in late April.
Lee County has been heavily affected by the coronavirus; 1,922 people in Lee County, including the Prices, have tested positive for the coronavirus. At least 387 people in Lee County tested positive for the virus in the last week. The surging coronavirus crisis have made some question if it will be safe for Auburn University to play college football this fall. At least 38 Lee County residents have died from COVID-19 including Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins. Former Auburn head football coach Pat Dye had COVID-19 when he passed, but the cause of death was liver and kidney failure.
Price is the first member of the Alabama Legislature known to have contracted the coronavirus. He is 63.
Price is serving in his first term in the Alabama Senate representing Senate District 13. Oline Price is the revenue commissioner in Lee County.
594,999 people have died from COVID-19 in this global pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China.
