MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey issued an amended “safer-at-home” order to be applied statewide.
The current order, which took effect on May 22, was previously set to expire on Friday at 5 p.m. but has been extended to expire on July 31 at 5 p.m.
During the press conference, Ivey was joined by State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, state Representative Dexter Grimsley, and Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon.
As she has before several times during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivey pleaded with Alabamians to take the virus more seriously. As of Tuesday, there have been 37,536 coronavirus cases and 926 deaths connected to the virus.
“The fact is we are still in the thick of this virus disease and it is deadly,” Ivey said.
Despite strongly suggesting that people wear face masks to slow the spread of the virus, Ivey said she would not enforce orders for people to wear masks, similar to what Birmingham and other cities have done.
“Dr. Harris and I can order you to wear a mask, but it would be next to impossible to enforce,” she said.
Harris said that in the last two weeks, Alabama has seen a rise in 10,000 new COVID-19 cases.
“Even though we are testing more, we’re finding greater transmission,” Harris said.
Like Ivey, Harris strongly encouraged Alabamians to adhere to social distancing guidelines, wear face masks and to stay clean.
“Our state is back up in many ways, but this is not the time to let our guard down,” he said.
Twelfth Supplemental State of Emergency
For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website.
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