Ivey Extends Mask Mandate

Ivey Extends Mask Mandate

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com (Photo by Hal Yeager | Governor’s Office)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — At a press conference this morning, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced the extension of the State of Alabama’s “Safer-at-Home” order, which includes a statewide mask mandate.

The order was previously set to expire on Friday, December 11 at 5 p.m., but has been extended for another six weeks through January 22, 2021. However, Ivey reiterated that she has no plan to introduce another lockdown. 

All other elements of the previously established health order, which includes guidelines related to businesses, remain in effect with no changes.

“These are some of our darkest days...unlike any time in recent memory,” said Ivey. “Please, please continue your masks, even if you’re the only one in your surroundings to do so...please be mindful of others and your activities [as we enter the Christmas season].”

The health order defines “mask” as any covering that covers both the nose and mouth. Exceptions for the order include practical necessities defined by the Alabama Department of Public Health, some exercise, and voting or religious worship, though masks are encouraged in all of these scenarios as well. 

For more information and current COVID-19 case statistics in the State of Alabama, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov.

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