Gov. Kay Ivey Announces ‘Safer Apart’ Order As Mask Mandate Ends
Alabama is set to transition to a “Safer Apart” order until 5 p.m. on May 5, replacing the statewide mask order that’s been in place since last July.
“We are still under a public health order, but it is greatly slimmed down due to everyone doing their part to practice social distancing, wearing a mask and getting a vaccine,” Ivey said at a press conference Wednesday.
Ivey’s “Safer Apart” order is the third phase of Alabama’s COVID-19 pandemic health order.
The announcement comes days before the statewide mask mandate comes to an end this Friday. Last month, Ivey announced she would not renew the mask order. However, both Gov. Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris urged residents to continue wearing masks and social distancing once the mandate expires.
“After Friday, when there’s no more government mandate, I will continue to wear my mask,” Ivey said. “And I strongly urge my fellow citizens to use common sense and also practical personal responsibility.”
As I’ve previously stated, Alabama’s mask order will expire at 5 p.m. on April 9. Today, I’m announcing our state will…
Posted by Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday, April 7, 2021
This week, the Birmingham City Council voted 8-1 to extend a citywide mask ordinance through most of May. Montgomery also has a mask mandate in place.
Ivey said she has no jurisdiction over cities and commended businesses that require face masks for entry.
“I applaud the initiative of local people wanting to continue to encourage the mask,” she said. “I’m certainly going to continue to encourage people to wear the mask whenever I’m out in a crowd.”
As of Monday, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 cases was 328 per day, a 92% drop from the high reached in January 2021 and the lowest average since Spring 2020.
Harris said residents should not let their guard down.
“We’re so close to getting to the end of this. We still have a little ways to go and we appreciate all the hard work that’s gone on so far,” he said. “And we know that working together, we’re going to get there soon.”
Pope Leo’s religious community is drawing renewed interest. Here’s what makes it unique
"Before, we might get two or three discerners. But after Pope Leo, I now have 15. It's unbelievable."
The CDC still hasn’t issued COVID vaccine guidelines, leaving access in limbo
Access to the COVID-19 vaccines remains difficult because of an unusual and unexplained delay by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in accepting recommendations from its advisers.
National Guard presence may deter crime, but experts warn of the long-term costs
As President Trump ramps up efforts to send federal officers and troops into cities, criminologists are watching closely. Are the feds doing this in a smart way?
Coalition raises concerns surrounding manufacturer’s environmental, labor practices in small Alabama town
The report from the Good Neighbors Alabama coalition concerns the Neptune Technology Group plant in Tallassee.
AI designs for dangerous DNA can slip past biosecurity measures, study shows
Companies that make DNA for science labs screen out any requests for dangerous bits of genetic material. But a new study shows how AI could help malevolent actors get the stuff anyway.
Taylor Swift, George Orwell and Dwayne Johnson are in movie theaters. Take your pick
In cineplexes this weekend, Dwayne Johnson plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr, while Taylor Swift debuts a new music video. A new documentary pairs real-world footage with George Orwell's prescient words.