.png)
Montgomery, AL - Governor Kay Ivey announced an order mandating the use of masks effective tomorrow at 5:00 P.M. until July 31 to combat the coronavirus outbreak. As Alabama continues to add new cases, 2,141 new cases were reported earlier today, Ivey stated that the “numbers just do not lie.”
The masks will be required for people in public when interacting within six feet with people of another household in an indoor space open to the public; a vehicle operated by a transportation service; and an outdoor public space where ten or more people are gathered, with certain exceptions. Ivey noted that many in the business community supported this new mandate, pointing out that no one wants the economy to close down again. “You cannot work, if you are not healthy” Ivey said. The requirement for retail businesses to limit their capacity to 50% and socially distance remains in place.
A fine of $500 would be the penalty for non-compliance, but Ivey said the desire is to simply inform people rather than punish anyone. Ivey closed her statements with a plea, “We are going to need everyone’s help… but we will get through this.”
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris described the situation as moving in the wrong direction. “A full third of all the cases in the State were added in the past two weeks” Harris said. Hospital space is continuing to tighten as more coronavirus patients fill Alabama’s hospitals.
Some of the exceptions for the mask requirement involve young children, people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, eating and drinking, and during medical or dental procedures. A mask is considered anything that covers a person’s nostrils and mouth. Ivey will continue conversations on Alabama’s response to the coronavirus outbreak this afternoon as Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the Trump Administration Task Force, will visit the state.
COVID-19 Resources:
Comments