MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, a new “safer-at-home” ordinance would be in effect across Alabama that would gradually open up part of the state’s economy.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference where Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris provided further updates on the COVID-19 crisis in Alabama.

In this new order, which will run through May 15, retail businesses will be allowed to reopen with only 50% occupancy. The order recommends people wear masks to help prevent the spread of the virus but does not require it at this time.

Also, Alabama beaches will be allowed to open with social distancing still in place. Elective medical procedures will also be able to resume with restricted guidelines.

Work gatherings are still to adhere to the rule of 10 people or less in one area. Gov. Ivey urged employers to make sure that all workplaces are sanitized and clean on a regular a basis.

However, all public schools will remain closed. In addition, restaurants, bars and breweries are still limited to takeout and curbside delivery. Gyms, barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and theaters will also remain closed.

Ivey said she and her Coronavirus Task Force would be working with the state health board to determine when those non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen.

To see the complete ‘Safer at Home’ order visit.

For the complete breakdown of the ‘Safer at Home’ order, visit.

For the ‘Safer at Home’ details regarding beaches visit.

Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) released a statement Tuesday, thanking the governor for her decision to issue a “Safer at Home” policy.

“As I said last week, I am grateful for Governor Ivey’s measured response in light of the intense pressure she’s faced to re-open our state’s economy, particularly as our neighboring states rush to open quickly before meeting critical health criteria released by the White House. But I cannot stress enough that Alabamians should focus on the Governor’s and Dr. Harris’ warnings today that we are not in the clear yet, and to remain at home and continue to socially distance as much as possible.



When it comes to testing, real concerns were raised when Dr. Harris rightly pointed out that, given supply chain issues, Alabama is doing the best we can with what we have available. And today it appears that testing is arriving on a ‘just in time’ basis. But before we can fully re-open, we must have the capacity in place to test everyone on a routine basis regardless of symptoms. Going forward, we must continue to follow the data and the guidance of our public health experts as we take these measured steps toward re-opening our economy, and we should all be prepared to take a step back if the data calls for it. If we follow the data and put our full focus toward rapidly increasing testing, we can re-open our economy – and keep it open – in a responsible way that keeps Alabamians safe.” Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL)

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there are about 6,644 confirmed cases and 242 coronavirus-related deaths. Health officials say that 75,138 people have been tested, and 903 people are being treated and hospitalized for the virus.

For the latest from the Alabama Department of Public Health, visit their website here.

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