Alabama Schools Closing As Governor Declares State Of Emergency

MONTGOMERY, AL — All K-12 schools in Alabama will close for two-and-a-half weeks beginning March 18, following Gov. Kay Ivey's declaration Friday of a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak. Alabama, one of the handful of states to have not reported any cases, confirmed its first two cases on Friday.

"I’m issuing a state of emergency to strengthen Alabama's efforts and plans already in place to deal with the coronavirus," Ivey said in a press conference Friday. "This will help to alleviate our health care facilities & providers, our schools, & in turn, citizens across the state."

Ivey added, "Alabamians should not be fearful, but instead, use common sense to watch out for themselves and others. We’ll remain engaged and continue to closely monitor the situation to help keep Alabamians informed on all of the facts."

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey said during the conference that after the 2.5 weeks are up, officials will re-evaluate the situation and decide where to proceed.

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A patient in Montgomery tested positive for the virus Thursday afternoon, and a patient in Jefferson County tested positive Friday, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. The Montgomery patient had been in Illinois before returning home, and the Jefferson County patient had been out of the country, according to the Montgomery Advertiser.

State health officer Dr. Scott Harris said in a statement Friday that there are three other preliminary cases in Alabama that are pending test results.

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