Gov. Ivey extends mask order, allows visitors at hospitals and nursing homes

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC) - Governor Kay Ivey has extended the Safer at Home order that includes face coverings until November 8 at 5:00 p.m.

The Governor held a joint news conference Wednesday morning to give an update on COVID-19 in Alabama.

The mask mandate was originally set to expire on October 2.

Ivey praised Alabamians for all the work that has led to a decrease in COVID-19 cases, and she said the extension is to continue that work to stop the spread of COVID.

The new Safer at Home order also includes new provisions to allow guests at hospitals and nursing homes. Ivey said she happy to be able to reunite loved ones who may have not seen each other.

According to the order: Subject to restrictions, patients and residents will be allowed visits from one caregiver or one visitor at a time.

State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris was also part of the news conference. Harris said we have had 14,000 cases in 14 days, but the death rate was lower in September.

Governor Ivey said as much as she’d like to get back to “normal,” she doesn’t want to see us negate the progress the state has made when it comes to lowering case numbers.

These maps represent the COVID-19 case numbers and progress the state has made from April to September.

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