Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Order Into 2021
Governor Kay Ivey is extending Alabama’s Safer-at-Home order until January 22, 2021. In making her announcement, she said there will be no additional changes or adjustments.
That means Alabama residents must continue to wear masks, wash their hands, and sanitize their personal spaces as much as possible. Alabama’s mask order was set to expire on Friday, December 11.
Ivey’s announcement comes amid a spike in new coronavirus cases and record-breaking hospitalizations. Ivey said the spike in COVID-19 cases means the state is in “some of our darkest days” as the surge strains Alabama’s hospital system. State health officer Scott Harris said there are at least 2,100 people being treated for the virus at hospitals across the state.
As of today, the Alabama Department of Public Health has reported more than 280,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 4,000 deaths.
Harris also announced the roll-out of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine which, he said, is expected to arrive in Alabama next week. Harris said the state will receive nearly 41,000 doses of the vaccine for distribution and another allotment of the vaccine will be sent to the state a couple of weeks later.
Harris said the state will also receive Moderna’s vaccine later in the month. The vaccine will likely be prioritized for frontline hospital workers and some first responders.
Some viruses can play a deadly game of hide and seek inside the human body
Ebola is one of the nasty viruses that can hide in the body even after a patient recovers and tests negative. It can reemerge and trigger a new outbreak years later. How do they survive? And how can they be kayoed?
Argentina’s President Milei faces a political reckoning in midterm elections
Argentina's libertarian president, Javier Milei, faces midterms amid economic chaos and a $20 billion lifeline offer from President Trump.
What killed Napoleon’s army? Scientists find clues in DNA from fallen soldiers’ teeth
In 1812, hundreds of thousands of men in Napoleon's army perished during their retreat from Russia. Researchers now believe a couple of unexpected pathogens may have helped hasten the soldiers' demise.
Boston bar stirs outrage with its mobster mugshots as decor
Neighbors say the restaurant is glorifying people like mob boss Whitey Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi. The bar's owners say they're only recognizing the history of their place.
Inflation rose less than expected in September, the U.S. belatedly reports
The federal government recalled some furloughed workers specifically to produce the inflation report, which plays a key role for Social Security beneficiaries.
Boo to spooky chocolate prices! It’s the year of chewy, fruity Halloween treats
Sales of non-chocolate candy are growing faster than those of chocolate. With cocoa in shortage, manufacturers are changing pack sizes, adding fillers and dipping candy in "white creme."
