Gov. Ivey extends mask order, removes occupancy mandates for businesses

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, that she was extending her statewide mask mandate once again through Friday, Dec. 11, as well as rolling back other state guidelines.

The emergency occupancy rates for retail stores, hair and nail salons, gyms and fitness centers and all entertainment venues have been removed.

“You cannot have a life without a livelihood, so in order to alleviate the burden placed on our retail businesses and restaurants we are rolling back some restrictions on occupancy rates,” Ivey said. “These businesses can resume their ‘normal operations’ in terms of normal patrons allowed inside the establishment as long as they are wearing a mask.”

Also, Ivey said that restaurants could increase the number of patrons dining – meaning tables can be closer together again – as long as tables are separated by an “impermeable” barrier like a Plexiglas barrier.

Ivey and state health officer Dr. Scott Harris encouraged Alabamians to continue wearing masks and using social distancing guidelines so as to reduce the COVID-19 rate in the state, which has been increasing over the last month.

“More than 3,000 Alabamians have died from this deadly virus,” Ivey said. “While obviously some folks are more susceptible to the virus than others, no one is immune to this. We are now entering the cold and flu season and adding COVID-19 to that mix could combine for a deadly combination.”

To view the entire order from the governor, visit https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2020/11/2020-11-05-19th-Supplemental-SOE-COVID-19.pdf.