Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday left open all public access beaches in Orange Beach as hundreds continued to congregate despite the threat from the highly transmissible COVID-19.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, who asked the governor to close the public beaches during a teleconference, told AL.com no decision was reached in an afternoon call with Ivey and mayors across the state.

His administration was trying to stay ahead of the pandemic and take all necessary precautions before it hits coastal Alabama. “No resolution at this time. Ball is in the state’s court,” Kennon said via text.

“We are working with restaurants, business and with everyone to come up with a plan that is socially responsible," he said during an in-person interview earlier in the day. “If we share the sacrifices now by pulling together in the same common direction then the individual burdens will all be less.”

Kennon said his police department is strongly enforcing the longstanding alcohol ban to discourage large crowds gathering but had hoped there would be an order from Montgomery.

His biggest concerns are the longstanding impact of the virus on tourism, business and jobs.

“This is reminiscent of the BP oil spill,” he said. “It’s coming at the worst time for businesses because they are cash poor, and also for cash poor workers. It would be the worst time of the year to lose their jobs. These are friends and neighbors, but we have to worry about everyone.”

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis today issued an executive order on bars, beaches and restaurants. Bars and nightclubs in Florida are closed for the next 30 days. Florida restricted beach parties to gatherings of no more than 10 people.