Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, on March 27, 2020, brought more clarity statewide to businesses continuing to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak. Her statewide order, effective at 5:00 p.m., March 28, 2020, prohibits non-work gatherings of over 10 people and gatherings of any size where a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. Governor Ivey’s order mandates closure only of certain designated non-essential businesses, including most retail and personal service establishments. In an FAQ issued on March 28,2020, and posted below, Alabama Public Health emphasized that, unless a business is specifically designated as non-essential, it may continue “normal operations.” Governor Ivey also ordered the postponement of all non-emergency medical and surgical procedures. The order is in effect until April 17, 2020, and could be extended or curtailed based on ongoing circumstances. Following the issuance of this statewide order, the Public Health Officer of Jefferson County withdrew his previous order bringing further clarity to the state’s overall handling of the outbreak.
