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.
‘The worst day of my life:’ Texas’ Hill Country reels as deaths rise due to floods
Dozens of people have died in the Texas Hill Country. Scores of others are missing or unaccounted for. As rescue crews continue to search for victims, those who survived are coping with the loss.
Are seed oils actually bad for your health? Here’s the science behind the controversy
Health Secretary RFK Jr. has said vegetable oils, like canola and soybean, are 'poisoning Americans.' But many researchers say the evidence isn't there. So, what does the science say about seed oils?
Trump plans to share new tariff rates this week as deadline for deals approaches
The administration keeps shifting its plans when it comes to trade negotiations. The latest expectation is that most countries will receive new tariff rates this week that would go into effect on Aug. 1.
Inside the evolution of Biosphere 2, from ’90s punchline to scientific playground
The venture, privately funded to start, is now run by the University of Arizona. And today, scientists there are quietly plugging away at research they hope will help us all adapt to the Biosphere 1 — that is Earth, and the climate change we are causing to it.
The war in Gaza divided a historic Brooklyn co-op. Here’s what happened next
Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, members of the Park Slope Food co-op have been debating whether to ban Israeli goods from the shelves.
Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step
There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.
