Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order
Gov. Kay Ivey extended a statewide face mask order through Nov. 8. The order requires face masks to be worn in public to try to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Ivey made the announcement at a press conference Wednesday. The rule was set to expire Friday, but the new deadline extends it past Election Day and much of the remaining high school and college football seasons.
The governor said she’s heard from many residents who are eager for the mask order to be lifted. Ivey said she wants to do that sooner rather than later.
“But the reason we are extending this mask order up until after the national election, which is November 3, is because it’s important to have a safe environment for our poll workers, poll watchers and those of us who would like to vote in person,” she said.
The Alabama Hospital Association and a doctor’s group earlier this week urged the governor to keep the mask order in place.
“The one thing that seems to have changed in the course of the pandemic is when the mask order was implemented,” said Dr. Don Williamson, head of the state hospital association. His group supports keeping the requirement through at least the end of the year.
Ivey said the state has made progress over the last two weeks in the fight against COVID-19.
“Thankfully, we did not have a surge in COVID-19, as was predicted, after the Labor Day weekend,”she said, “but my friends, this isn’t just luck or coincidence.”
Ivey attributed the decrease in hospitalizations and new daily cases to the statewide mask order she implemented in July.
Ivey also announced changes affecting residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, and people who are hospitalized. The new rule allows people to be accompanied by one caregiver or visitor “unless there are compelling reasons to limit access.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judge rules 7-foot center Charles Bediako is no longer eligible to play for Alabama
Bediako was playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed the former NBA G League player to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility.
American Ben Ogden wins silver, breaking 50 year medal drought for U.S. men’s cross-country skiing
Ben Ogden of Vermont skied powerfully, finishing just behind Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway. It was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. men's cross-country skier since 1976.
An ape, a tea party — and the ability to imagine
The ability to imagine — to play pretend — has long been thought to be unique to humans. A new study suggests one of our closest living relatives can do it too.
How much power does the Fed chair really have?
On paper, the Fed chair is just one vote among many. In practice, the job carries far more influence. We analyze what gives the Fed chair power.
This complex brain network may explain many of Parkinson’s stranger symptoms
Parkinson's disease appears to disrupt a brain network involved in everything from movement to memory.
‘Please inform your friends’: The quest to make weather warnings universal
People in poor countries often get little or no warning about floods, storms and other deadly weather. Local efforts are changing that, and saving lives.
