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Birmingham extends face covering rule to July 3, while Jefco allows entertainment venues to open
The Birmingham City Council is continuing its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by extending its face covering rule to July 3rd. Meanwhile, late last week the Jefferson County Department of Health let lapse its guidance that prohibited certain entertainment venues from opening.
Face Coverings Required Until July 3
Birmingham’s face covering ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 1 at the Council’s June 9th meeting. Councilman Hunter Williams was the lone “no” vote. The extension of the rule is the fourth since it was originally passed in April.
Birmingham remains the only major Alabama municipality to pass such a measure. In May, the Council voted to reduce the fines and eliminate the possibility of arrest to anyone not complying with the order. Presently the penalties are:
- $25 for first offense
- $100 for second offense
- $250 for third offense
Here is the amended ordinance which provides a list of common-sense exceptions that include, eating at restaurants, physical activities and childcare.
Entertainment Rules Lapse
In other news concerning the COVID-19 outbreak, late last week, on June 6th, the Jefferson County Department of Health let lapse the rules preventing the opening of entertainment venues. In a statement provided by JCDH, the county is now back under the Statewide Order issued on May 21, 2020 by the State Health Officer which includes rules for entertainment venues.
The following places are allowed to open in accordance with the state’s guidance which includes limiting occupancy to 50% normal occupancy.
Venues affected by the lapse of the local order include:
- Bowling alleys
- Arcades
- Concert venues
- Theaters
- Auditoriums
- Performing centers
- Tourist attractions (including museums and planetariums)
- Race tracks
- Commercial or public playgrounds
- Adult entertainment venues
- Casinos
- Bingo halls
Any Re-openings in Birmingham?
As of Tuesday, June 9th we have discovered several entertainment reopenings, including:
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Reopens June 15th)
Check the Bham Now Directory
Need more info about your favorite places reopening? Check out Bham Now’s LOCAL Business directory and nonprofit directory. We have over 630 establishments and more are being added daily.
