Mask Order Extended In Alabama Into December

MONTGOMERY, AL — As Gov. Kay Ivey's Safer at Home order was set to expire Sunday, the governor announced Thursday that the order, which includes mandatory face coverings, has been extended through Dec. 11.

"We certainly know this disease has disrupted our lives and livelihoods in significant ways," Ivey said in a news conference Thursday. "This does not mean you have to compromise your values or your morals. It means coming together, as there are many challenges we are facing, including the ongoing pandemic."

Ivey's Safer at Home Order was amended, however. One change includes a lift of occupancy restrictions for some businesses. Emergency occupancy rates will be lifted for retailers, gyms and entertainment venues.

Also an exception to social distancing rules will be allowed for many businesses — including barber shops, hair salons, fitness centers and restaurants — if people are wearing masks and are separated by an "impermeable barrier."

"I must admit that when we first issued a Safter at Home order back in March, most of us had hoped we wouldn’t still be worrying about COVID-19 going into November," Ivey said. "Yet, here we are as a state, nation and world grappling with how to keep people safe while working."

Masks are still required in schools and in public when interacting within six feet of people of another household.

Dr. Scott Harris, the state health director said the state has seen more than 22,000 new cases of COVID-19 over last two weeks, including data dumps, and said he expects an increase of cases following a plateau from August through October.

The changes to the Safer at Home Order were issued Thursday by Ivey's office: