At a press conference April 28, Gov. Kay Ivey announced a partial relaxation of restrictions she imposed, on March 27, in an earlier Stay at Home Order owing to the virus crisis.
The new Safer at Home Order, which goes into effect on April 30 at 5 p.m., is summarized below and is the first phase of the state’s relaxation of restrictions.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the new April 30th order is a partial implementation of Phase One of the White House’s Guideline for Opening up America Again. Alabama met all criteria for a full Phase One implementation except for the requirement for 14 consecutive days of a downward trajectory in documented cases or 14 days of downward trajectory of positive tests out of total tests.
Alabama did meet benchmarks for influenza-like illnesses reported and capacity of hospitals to treat patients, said Harris.
Included in the summary below under “non-work gatherings” are church services. Ivey asked her pastor to explain. First Baptist Church of Montgomery Pastor Rev. Jay Wolf said, “Alabama does not meet criteria for reopening worship to large and in-person gatherings.” He recommended “online services and drive-up worship services. It is not yet safe and wise to gather in person.”
New Safer at Home Order
(Goes into effect April 30 at 5 p.m.)
New Updates
Individuals
Encouraged to stay home and follow good sanitation practices
Employers
Businesses may open subject to sanitation and social-distancing guidelines; certain higher-risk businesses and activities remain closed.
Retail Stores
All retail stores open subject to 50 percent occupancy rate, social-distancing and sanitation rules
Beaches
Open except no gatherings of 10 persons or more and people must maintain six feet of separation
Medical Procedures
Allowed unless prohibited in the future by the State Health Officer to preserve resources necessary to diagnose and treat COVID-19; providers must follow COVID-19-related rules and guidance from state regulatory boards or public health authorities
What’s Staying the Same
Non‑Work Gatherings
Still limited to fewer than 10 persons with 6 feet of distance between persons. “Drive-in” gatherings still permitted if participants stay in cars with people from their own households.
Senior Citizen Centers
Regular programming still suspended except meals still available through curbside pick-up or delivery
Educational Institutions
Still closed to in-person instruction (except for daytime special activities programs)
Child Day Care Facilities
Still must not allow 12 or more children in a room
Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Still must implement policies to restrict visitation
Restaurants, Bars and Breweries
Still limited to take-out, curbside or delivery
Still Closed
— Entertainment venues (such as night clubs, theaters, bowling alleys)
— Athletic facilities and activities (such as fitness centers and commercial gyms)
— Close-contact service providers (such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo services)
