The Alabama Department of Health has ordered all Alabama restaurants and bars to go to take-out only, part of a sweeping set of regulations designed to curb the growth of coronavirus.

A similar order was already in place for Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Mobile counties. The new order covers the entire state.

‘Containment strategy’

State Health Officer Scott Harris said the efforts are part of a “containment strategy” to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system and stem the growth of the virus.

“Every single thing we’re doing today is not really going to affect the number we see in the next two weeks, we’re going to see the numbers increase,” Harris said. “What we hope is that the action we’re taking today is going to flatten the curve.

“We understand that the health orders issued will be a hardship on Alabamians. We must, first and foremost, protect the health and safety of our citizens. This decision has not been made lightly and will help to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The orders are in place through midnight April 5, though Harris said it will probably be extended.

"I think it is certainly possible that it could be extended...I think, in fact, it is likely,” he said.

New regulations