coronavirus update press conference 50569566203 o Alabama's Safer at Home Order extended to December 11 — Gov. Kay Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris held a press conference at the Alabama State Capitol on Thursday, November 5th. Photo via Hal Yeager for the Governor’s Office

Speaking from the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery on November 5th, Governor Kay Ivey issued her 19th supplemental emergency proclamation, including an updated Safer at Home Order. The order, which contains a statewide mask requirement, is set to expire on December 11th at 5:00PM.

Here’s What You Need to Know about the Safer at Home Order

dsc08837 50569565798 o Alabama's Safer at Home Order extended to December 11 — *Gov. Kay Ivey updating the press on the extended Safer at Home Order. Photo via Hal Yeager for the Governor’s Office*

“This disease has disrupted our lives in significant ways—more than three thousand Alabamians have died. Even as we emphasize good, sound health practices, we must find a proper balance of living our lives.”
Gov. Kay Ivey, speaking at a press conference in Montgomery on November 5th

According to Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, 4% of Alabamians have contracted COVID-19. Additionally, Alabama has recently seen an increase in the new case rate.

In light of those facts, Gov. Ivey has extended the Safer at Home Order until December 11th at 5PM.

Read Gov. Kay Ivey’s Nineteenth Supplemental Emergency Proclamation here.

Alabama’s emergency proclamation includes the Safer at Home Order, which contains a mask ordinance requiring persons to wear a mask when in public and in close contact with other people.

Click here to read the amended Safer at Home Order.

Updated Safer at Home Order

Screen Shot 2020 11 05 at 11.57.50 AM Alabama's Safer at Home Order extended to December 11 — Wear your mask, social distance and do your part to move Alabama from the “Safer at Home” column to the “Safer Apart” column. Info via the Governor’s Office

“We’ll be rolling back restrictions based on occupancy rate. This should be welcome news as we get ready for the upcoming holiday season which is so important for local retail.”
Gov. Kay Ivey, speaking at a press conference in Montgomery on November 5th

Although much of the Safer at Home Order remains the same, Gov. Ivey has made a handful of changes in order to ease the burden on local retailers and other small businesses. Here’s what is changing:

Occupancy Rates: Emergency occupancy rates will be removed for retailers, gyms, fitness centers and entertainment venues.
Use of Partitions: An exception to social-distancing rules will be allowed for many businesses—including barber shops, hair salons, gyms and restaurants—if people are wearing masks and separated by an “impermeable” barrier, such as a plexiglass partition.

coronavirus update press conference 50570449752 o Alabama's Safer at Home Order extended to December 11 — *Gov. Kay Ivey speaking to the press at the Alabama State Capitol on Thursday, November 5th. Photo via Hal Yeager for the Governor’s Office*

As we approach the holiday season, remember to look for safe ways to gather and celebrate with friends and family. While you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving meal, the last thing you should want is to contract a case of COVID-19 and potentially spread it further.

“We would encourage people to look for ways to gather for the holidays in a much safer way. If you’re in a house with people from other households, try to distance if and when you can. Gather outside if the weather permits.”
Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama State Health Officer

Read more about the Safer at Home Order’s timeline in Alabama: