MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey has extended Alabama's statewide mask mandate through Friday, October 2. She also extended the state's Public Health Emergency until November 8, 2020. It was set to expire on September 9.
State Health Officer Scott Harris spoke about the reduction in the percentage of positive test results, hospital admissions, and deaths statewide and attributed that largely to people wearing face coverings.
He expressed concern about the upcoming Labor Day weekend and about increases in cases after July 4 and Memorial Day, and urged the public to continue to wear masks, social distance, and be cautious of mingling with people outside their households.
Harris also reminded people of the upcoming flu season and the importance of people getting flu shots to reduce the stress on the health care system with both flu and COVID-19 circulating.
Governor Ivey also asked people to be cautious on the upcoming holiday weekend and in groups larger than 10 people. She urged everyone to do their part to not lose the gains we've made.
Ivey and Harris both praised Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox for the steps he took to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by closing bars and bar service in the city for 14 days from August 24. Maddox did this with the support of the University of Alabama.
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