Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey today (Nov. 5) extended the state’s mask ordinance through Dec. 11 but loosened some other restrictions on businesses and restaurants.
Acknowledging that COVID-19 has disrupted “lives and livelihoods in significant way,” Ivey also noted that no one is immune from contracting the coronavirus.
“We must .. find a proper balance on living our lives to the greatest extent we can” and practicing safe habits like handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks, Ivey said.
The order still requires masks to be worn in most public places, as well as at schools except for students grade 2 and below. But Ivey said the mask order will not be imposed indefinitely.
‘Do the right thing’
“I’m willing to keep the mask order in place while acknowledging that sooner, rather than later, it’s going to be up to each of us to do the right thing whether the government is mandating it or not,” Ivey said.
Changes to the state’s “Safer At Home” order will primarily affect restaurants and service providers.
The amended order removes emergency occupancy rates for retailers, gym, fitness centers and entertainment venues. It also allows for an exception for the 6-foot distancing rule at businesses including barber shops, hair salons, gyms and restaurants if people are wearing masks and are separated by “impermeable” barriers, such as solid plastic screen dividers between tables or work stations.
Ivey said the changes should be “welcome news as we come to the upcoming holiday season.”
The state health order was first announced in July as the state’s COVID-19 numbers were on the rise. In total, Alabama has had nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases as of Nov. 5, with 3,026 deaths and more than 21,000 hospitalizations.
Click her to view the updated health order: GKI-2020 Health Order Update-Dec 11-Horizontal
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