Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has issued a statewide mask mandate, as case numbers of COVID-19 continue to rise.
Masks required in public when interacting within 6 feet with people of another household, subject to certain exceptions
Both the Governor and State Health Officer Dr Scott Harris pointed to numbers that are increasing dramatically, with more than 1000 cases daily in 9 of the first 13 days of July.
The biggest issue is overwhelming the hospitals; as of yesterday, 87% of hospital ICU beds were filled.
They admit that enforcement will be difficult and they're calling on citizens to wear masks out of personal responsibility. There is a penalty of $500 and/or jail time, but the Governor says that is not the goal....the goal is to slow community spread by getting citizens to wear masks.
"I am calling on everyone in our state to practice personal responsibility & wear a mask. I continue to believe that personal responsibility is everyone’s responsibility," says Ivey.
The mask mandate is the only change to the Governor's Safer At Home order, which extends through July 31st. "Nothing else in the order changes & at this time we will not be further limiting capacity nor restricting events from operating," says the Governor.
What kind of masks are required? When do you have to wear them? What does this mean for your business? Find answers to FAQ HERE