When it comes to the coronavirus COVID-19, Alabama can’t point a disparaging finger at Mississippi anymore as an increase in positive test results begin to rise again.

The Yellowhammer State, slightly ahead of the Magnolia State in fully vaccinated people against the virus per 100,000, is now a percentage behind. Both are just over the 33 percent mark.

However Gov. Kay Ivey has indicated no more restrictions would be forthcoming. She said “mandating’’ how people take care of their health is not the government’s job but she did urge residents to get the vaccines.

“They’re free, they’re safe, they work,’’ she said. “Use your head and get a shot.’’

And health officials continue to promote vaccines or continue to follow safety guidelines.

“When individuals are infected with the Delta variant, they are producing excessive amounts of the virus,’’ UAB researcher Derek Moates told reporters this week after his lab found the strain in 71 percent of the 48 samples tested. “Way more than we’ve seen in any other variants.

“The only way to stop it from progressing is to get vaccinated.’’

Dr. Karen Landers of the Alabama State Department of Health said, “People can take measures to protect themselves without having a mandate. That is getting vaccinated and if you’re not vaccinated wear your mask.’’

The ADPH last week added 11 more counties to its list of those at “very high risk,’’ for the virus to spread.

While Madison County wasn’t among the 26 listed in that category, three neighbors were — Limestone, Marshall and Morgan.

Madison fell into counties labeled “moderate risk,’’ better than “high risk’’ but worse than “low risk.’’

“Please go out and get your vaccination,’’ Tracey Doughty, vice president of operations at Huntsville Hospital, said during the most recent COVID-19 news briefing. “The more we talk about vaccines we know it is important for children to get one as well.’’

Pfizer’s shot is available to those ages 12-and-older.

Meanwhile, Fort Rucker in Dale County announced that soldiers not wearing masks may be asked to produce proof of being vaccinated with an increase of COVID-19 cases, particularly Delta, in counties surrounding the Army base.

“If you are not wearing a mask,’’ Francis announced in a Facebook post, “the leadership will be able to ask you as soldiers to show proof of vaccination by showing a card.’’ Since April 1, of 529 deaths related to the virus in Alabama, only 20 of those were fully vaccinated (3.8 percent).

“COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense in preventing serious disease as well as deaths,” said Scott Harris, an ADPH officer. “This is especially important as the highly transmissible Delta variant spreads.

“While it is possible to get any strain of the virus, infected people are much less likely to experience complications or hospitalizations if fully vaccinated.”

According to the state, Alabama has seen more than 556,000 cases of COVID-19 and reported nearly 12,000 deaths. As of Wednesday, positive test results rose to 7.7 percent compared to 4.8 percent two weeks ago.