MONTGOMERY, Ala. — (AP) — Alabama's attorney general says law enforcement officials can issue misdemeanor citations for violating the state health officer's orders against large public gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The state health officer has issued orders against on-site restaurant dining, closing beaches and prohibiting non-work gatherings of more than 25 people that cannot maintain a consistent 6-foot distance between people.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Saturday told law enforcement agencies that they have the authority to issue citations to people who refuse to comply, although he urged restraint in doing so.
Alabama on Sunday had at least 157 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
