AL Nears 40K COVID-19 Cases, Ivey Extends Public Health Emergency

MONTGOMERY, AL — As Alabama nears 40,000 COVID-19 cases, Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the public health emergency caused by the virus 60 additional days. The state's public emergency will now last through Sept. 9.

The first extension was scheduled to expire on July 11. What Thursday's proclamation means is that Ivey can issue orders extending or amending her Safer at Home order without going through the state legislation.

“To assist these people, businesses, and government entities in planning for the future, I intend to give ample advance notice of any decision to terminate the state of emergency,” the proclamation says.

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Ivey's proclamation Thursday comes after Alabama was one of the states where COVID-19 spread the fastest in June. In the last two weeks, the Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed more than 11,000 new cases of the virus.

The state added another 1,162 cases to its total Thursday, and 14 more deaths, which brings the total since March to 39,604 cases and 961 deaths.

SEE ALSO:

• Gov. Ivey Extends Safer At Home Order
• Jefferson County Releases COVID-19 Stats By ZIP Code
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