Statewide Mask Order Takes Effect Thursday In Alabama

July 15, 2020

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a statewide mask order.

Ivey’s order takes effect at 5 p.m. Thursday and requires people to wear a mask in public “when interacting within six feet” of people from different households.

The Alabama health order mandates masks must be worn in the following places:

  • an indoor space open to the public
  • a vehicle operated by a transportation service
  • an outdoor space where 10 or more people are gathered.

The orders continues through at least July 31. That’s when Ivey’s current amended Safer at Home order is set to expire.

Ivey said the penalty for violating the order can be a $500 fine or jail time,. But she said the ultimate goal is for people to use masks, not for law enforcement to search for violations.

The governor’s office provided the following frequently asked questions:

1. When do I have to wear a mask?

You have to wear a mask when you are in public and in close contact with other people. Specifically, the order says to wear a mask when you are within six feet of a person from another household in any of the following places: (a) an indoor space open to the public; (b) a vehicle operated by a transportation service; and (c) an outdoor public space where ten or more people are gathered.

2. Do young children have to wear a mask? What about people who are exercising? In other words, are there any exceptions to the mask-wearing requirement?

There are five categories of exceptions. The largest category, exceptions for “practical necessity,” covers people or situations where mask use is incompatible with the realities of life—for example, children six or younger, people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, eating and drinking, medical and dental procedures, and so on. There are also categories of exceptions for exercise, for communicating with an audience, and for certain essential job functions. An additional category carves out narrow exceptions for protected activities like voting and religious worship— but even then, wearing a mask is strongly encouraged.

3. What kind of face mask is required?

The requirement allows all kinds of masks to be used—whether store-bought, homemade, or improvised from household items like scarves, bandanas, or t-shirts. The key is for the mask to cover your nostrils and mouth. For instructions on how to make your own mask, see the CDC’s “How to Make Cloth Face Coverings” page.

4. I live in a city or county that already has a local mask order. Am I supposed to follow my local order or this new statewide order?

Follow this new statewide order. While this order is in effect, it will replace all local mask rules to provide a uniform, statewide rule.

5. I am a business owner. What does this order mean for my business?

The order requires businesses to take reasonable steps, where practicable, to encourage mask use by employees and customers. One example of a reasonable step might be to post signs encouraging customers and patrons to wear a mask. Although a business is not required to deny entry to people who are mask-less, they always retain the right to do so—and doing so would certainly be a reasonable step to encourage mask use.

6. How long will the new mask requirement be in effect?

The new mask requirement goes into effect Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. It is currently set to expire on July 31, 2020.

Comments

46 Responses to “Statewide Mask Order Takes Effect Thursday In Alabama”

  1. David Huie Green on July 20th, 2020 1:01 pm

    REGARDING:
    “If you are listening to the scientists remember the definition of science is BEST GUESS.”

    So remember any other source is worse than the best.

    Also remember science makes the guesses by observation and testing those guesses, tossing the ones which don’t agree with reality. Others go with gut feelings and ignore the fact they don’t agree with reality.

    Take your pick

    One definition is:
    “Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.”
    https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-science/

    David for informed opinions

  2. BRING IT ON on July 19th, 2020 6:17 pm

    If you are listening to the scientists remember the definition of science is BEST GUESS.

  3. David Huie Green on July 18th, 2020 8:11 pm

    REGARDING:
    “David so what do you suggest…?..Have you researched any of the underlying conditions you get after Covid? Have you researched that you can get Covid AGAIN? You aren’t immune. Usually it’s worse BECAUSE it mutates? I got Covid AT MY JOB from a asymptotic person…You’re arguing against doing the right thing… We can midigate how many people get it at ONCE! Which is the problem…..Social distance. Wear your mask.”

    (asymptomatic, mitigate)

    The other David isn’t here and I didn’t say what you say I said. You seem confused. Perhaps you think the comment I place in quotes are my thoughts rather than the ones I am responding to.

    I have repeatedly pointed out what you said other than the fact that while reinfection is possible, I don’t know of any proven cases of it happening yet.

    Most mutations tend to be less deadly but “most” isn’t “ALL.” Many of the potential solutions are based on the idea that viruses mutate rapidly but humans do it slowly so they are trying to block how it takes over the cells.

    If this works out, ways to cure many current diseases may also come of the research — including many cancers.

    David Huie Green to avoid confusion
    and not get the other Davids in trouble

  4. SP on July 18th, 2020 12:39 pm

    David so what do you suggest…?

    Have you researched any of the underlying conditions you get after Covid? Have you researched that you can get Covid AGAIN? You aren’t immune. Usually it’s worse BECAUSE it mutates? I got Covid AT MY JOB from a asymptotic person…

    You’re arguing against doing the right thing… We can midigate how many people get it at ONCE! Which is the problem…

    Social distance. Wear your mask. If we didn’t ack so selfish we could be like other countries who are actually reopening and NOT having cases spike back up.

    This isn’t the political argument people are turning this into.

  5. David Huie Green on July 17th, 2020 11:06 pm

    REGARDING:
    “Do you understand that the CDC & WHO clearly stated 2 months ago that it is almost impossible for an asymptomatic person to spread it as they were telling us to not wear the mask then?”

    They said asymptomatic didn’t, presymptomatic did.
    The difference is that you can’t tell which is which until it is too late.
    The first never shows symptoms.
    The second will but hasn’t yet.

    The distinction wasn’t described at first. Many weren’t paying attention the next day.
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/7/20-1595_article

    AND
    “For all you who are wondering the worldwide death rate is approximately .000078 of a percent. ”

    If that were so, the most who could die of XOVID-19 would be 32 people.
    Consider that .000078 of a percent is 0.00000078 and the population of the planet is about 7.8 billion, 7,800,000,000 x 0.00000078 is 31.4.
    Round up to 32.

    Instead we have reports of 599,339 dead (and counting) of 14,189,018 cases which would be 4.2% dead and others sick for weeks or longer and other related diseases cropping up later. I’m thinking that’s just from those who got sick.
    https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
    https://www.worldometers.info/population/

    AND
    “the Spanish flu which had world wide death rate of .03 percent”

    Actually, the rate was closer to 10% with 50 million dead out of 500 million infected, a third of the world.

    From the CDC: “It is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States.”
    https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html

    AND
    “no matter how much you wear a mask sooner or later everyone is gonna test positive for it. Just like the flu virus everyone eventually gets it no matter how much you wash your hand or hide your in a hole. It’s a virus even if they get a vaccine for it it will mutate and come back”

    Also, please note from above that a third of the world was infected. That means two thirds was not.

    David for understanding

  6. CW on July 17th, 2020 10:39 am

    @I got an idea

    Yes, most of us will eventually catch it, but the whole idea is to slow it down so that we don’t all catch it at the SAME TIME. How hard is that to understand?

  7. I got an idea on July 16th, 2020 11:35 pm

    Heres the idea why don’t we test the astronauts on the space station. Oh wait if we did that and they tested positive how that would change the narrative on this whole thing. The virus isn’t gonna go anywhere it’s here. And no matter how much you wear a mask sooner or later everyone is gonna test positive for it. Just like the flu virus everyone eventually gets it no matter how much you wash your hand or hide your in a hole. It’s a virus even if they get a vaccine for it it will mutate and come back. So keep on thinking the sky is falling. For all you who are wondering the worldwide death rate is approximately .000078 of a percent. As compared to the real pandemic of the Spanish flu which had world wide death rate of .03 percent. The numbers don’t lie. But hey no one is telling you can’t wear your mask. Wear it if it makes you feel safe. Oh and why your wearing your mask I guess you should make sure you wear a condom to. Might save the 10,000,000 million babies killed each year from abortion’s each year.

  8. charlie Mike on July 16th, 2020 6:56 pm

    Way to go, granma trump. You finally got a clue.

  9. Ron on July 16th, 2020 6:22 pm

    No if your worried cover yours why should we both if a 98 percent survival rate flu scares you then you stay home and you avoid people but me no thank you

  10. Tom on July 16th, 2020 5:26 pm

    Okay if the rest of civilized society can manage a simple face covering without saying there right to infect others is being violated..Why is it so hard to get people to help one another for the greater good? Europe is managing…Canada mandated it and is managing. So sorry for the inconvenience but countries are literally blocking America from traveling to the rest of the world because our cases keep rising! We are the laughing stock of the world currently, they pity us.

  11. take it serious on July 16th, 2020 1:50 pm

    The Scotts/ The truth:

    Just do the homework and apply logic! It’s free!- You Sir are heavily indoctrinated and seriously gullible

    Right back at you!

    CDC has always said asymptomatic people would spread it, closed the schools and businesses to prevent it. If you don’t want that to happen again, wear a mask and stay home as much as possible, it’s all our responsibility to do so.
    I love my family and friends and will wear a mask because the THE FACTS supports it!
    I would hope that you would do it for yours. There’s no other side of facts, facts are just that, FACTS!
    Have no idea where you been getting yours, but its not from the CDC

  12. just sayin on July 16th, 2020 10:05 am

    To all of the naysayers, non believers, my rights are being trampled non conforming citizens. Please check in with us from the ICU bed and let us know how well you are doing and how not caving in to the face mask requirement is working out for you. Than’s in advance.

  13. Jerry on July 16th, 2020 5:51 am

    5 months too late, this just shows you how bad the Alabama and Florida leaders are. Imagine if they had done it 4 or 5 months ago? They might not have many covid cases by now which would mean you wouldn’t need the mask any longer.

    Instead they made excuses, put it off, down played it, opened things up as if it never happened and now they are back to square 1

  14. William Reynolds on July 16th, 2020 1:28 am

    “The truth” wrote: “The truth is this a governor mayor or any other elected official CANNOT issue an executive order like this unless a state of emergency has been declared. Which by the way hasn’t.”

    Not the truth.

    While you were spending so much time worrying about media propaganda or whatever you believe, you’ve missed the plethora of media stories about the STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ALABAMA that’s been in effect since March 13 and amended or supplemented with changes/updates 14 different times by the governor.

  15. The Scott's on July 16th, 2020 1:22 am

    @ Matt. You simply need to educate yourself with something other than your tv msm evening news. – For instance, it seems you are not aware that there is over a 99% survival rate. Next , Do you understand what the term, “probable covid cases” means? Well the so called “probable cases” is the ONLY reason the numbers went back up/increased. You may want to go listen to the WHO and let them explain to you that “PROBABLE CASES” simply means that now they changed the counting qualifications. Eg: Say 10 people had been in contact with someone with the virus. They now would add a total of 1 + 10 = 11 covid cases to their FEAR driving NUMBERS! – Now let’s talk about asymptomatic cases!(you do comprehend what that is, correct?) That is someone that supposedly is sick BUT NOT REALLY! Because they have NO symptoms! Do you understand that the CDC & WHO clearly stated 2 months ago that it is almost impossible for an asymptomatic person to spread it as they were telling us to not wear the mask then? So how is making a perfectly healthy person wear a bacteria trapping , o2 restricting mask going to help? You said people need to wear them to keep their cough or sneeze droplets from flying all over the place? Well not sure about you, but my parents raised me to cover my mouth. Hey wouldn’t that be a much healthier way to protect those with a compromised immune system? I mean everyone still touches anything they want to with their little hands right? So why the mandatory mask? > Do you know anything at all about “herd immunity establishment?” IF they had not wanted to extend the stay of this virus they would have established “HERD IMMUNITY!” Go learn something for yourself! I hate that you believe you are not a very smart person so therefor feel the need to rely on on others to think for you.– Anyway, I could go on and on informing you here with verifiable FACTS , but point is you are ignorant of the REAL FACTS. — You need to learn how to think, instead of being told what to think. — Just do the homework and apply logic! It’s free!- You Sir are heavily indoctrinated and seriously gullible. Your cognitive dissonance will not allow you to accept that you are being played into freely handing over your God given rights as an American!

  16. The truth on July 16th, 2020 1:14 am

    The truth is this a governor mayor or any other elected official CANNOT issue an executive order like this unless a state of emergency has been declared. Which by the way hasn’t. This is how we loose our freedoms. There is good reason why The United States isn’t referred to in the book of revelation. It’s because we are tearing ourselves apart. The great experiment is ending in disastrous flames much like the Hindenburg. So you all just keep being led astray by the media propaganda machine. One more fact for you all the Spanish flu of 1918 killed 50 MILLION people. So let’s talk when we reach 10 percent of that number. And for all of you who want to daw it’s affecting younger people I’d like to know how many of them are vaping. Bet you’d find out that it’s a very high percentage. But you know the media won’t say anything about that.

  17. Roger on July 15th, 2020 10:55 pm

    There’s an old saying that you can’t cure stupid. Well, the same goes for things like the common cold, the stomack flu, the seasonal (that;s why there are new flu shots every year) and this COVID-19. A virus lives forever and ever even as it mutates and keeps on going. If simply wearing a mask, some idiot would have thought of it hundreds of years ago and there would be no virus’s left.

  18. Matt on July 15th, 2020 10:33 pm

    Steve, my educated way of looking at things involves proper English. Don’t pretend to be educated when you can’t even spell correctly or use proper grammar. If you are sanitizing you’re hands properly the chance of you contaminating your mask is small. Not impossible, but small. Either way, wearing a mask is better than not wearing one at all. Doesn’t matter what the infection rate is or what people are more susceptible to, if you can save one person from catching it by wearing a simple mask then it is well worth the effort. Please think of someone other than yourself.

  19. J. Talle on July 15th, 2020 10:11 pm

    This “order” is mostly political show to make the pro mask group happy, but won’t actually change much.

    Masks should remain voluntary, IMHO. However, Gov. Ivey specifically says no law enforcement of masks. Businesses already had the means to refuse unmasked customers or allow unmasked entry.

    Could be worse, y’all. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham cancelled football and soccer.

    I don’t even watch sports and I know that would be as welcome as a fox in a henhouse around here.

  20. Lm on July 15th, 2020 9:27 pm

    What happened to “Wash Your Hands”. It seems like yeh mask over rode the hand washing. We did not have that many cases while the hands are being washed. But now that everyone’s wearing masks the cases are rising. Also, if they have to wear mask some people need training on how to wear them!

  21. Chelleepea on July 15th, 2020 8:32 pm

    I guess the greatest generation dies with WWII generation….people these days won’t even sacrifice putting on a mask for the greater good. All this whining about putting on a mask……pathetic!

  22. Steve on July 15th, 2020 8:12 pm

    Matt, You dont have a clue what you are talking about. You just parrotting what you heard.
    I dont take that approach. I take a educated angle to all problems.
    And this problem has more to do with the way it is transmitted that a simple mask is not stopping.
    I say it again the mask is a transmission source that is as filthy with germs and other stuff. People CONSTANTLY touch it and tough other things..
    Mask give people a sense of control over something they dont understand and dont know what to do.

  23. Good job Governor Ivey on July 15th, 2020 7:56 pm

    No shirt, no shoes, no service. Seat belts, speed limit 55. I could go on and on. Wearing a mask is no different from rules and laws we follow everyday. Good job Governor Ivey. I support you.

  24. Roger on July 15th, 2020 7:36 pm

    Jennifer – the virus is never going away, just accept that fact. H1N1, SARS, Hong Kong flu, and the other 25-30 strains of influenza are here to stay. Masking, lockdowns will slow but never end the spread of any virus.
    Rebecca – Amen, II too am sick of this political game.
    Phillip – we no longer live in a free country. The good news is that when it falls, the politicians will be the first to hang.
    Finally, we live is a virL WORLD WITH THE COMMON COLD, STOMACH VIRUS, INFLUENZA AND OTHER VIRAL DISEASES. Hiding behind a mask may help in the short run but only exposure (herd immunity) will reduce the risk. For those waiting on a vaccine, just remember the seasonal flu shot is only 40-50% effective at reducing the severity, not preventing the flu.

  25. CJ on July 15th, 2020 7:02 pm

    I know it doesn’t do any good to comment because people already have their minds made up but sometimes can’t help it..What people who are fully on board with the mask mandates don’t seem to realize is that you have over a 99% rate of recovery from this virus, yes even if your over 60..And over half of you will not have any symptoms at all. Does this sound like a killer pandemic?? No it doesn’t. Its not that non mask wearers believe there is no virus, it’s because they are educated in the facts and statistics and realize the truth..

  26. Infidel Numero Uno on July 15th, 2020 6:26 pm

    This order is dumb. This governor is dumb. And all the sheeple are dumb. Y’all will buy any load of crap they’re selling.

  27. Jennifer on July 15th, 2020 6:26 pm

    I totally agree with Governor Ivey, they also need to do something about large group of people gathering together, I’m ready for this mess to be over with, people need to start listening

  28. Rebecca Roberts on July 15th, 2020 6:12 pm

    Tired of the PLANdemic & my constitution being raped from me. I was a sheeple too until I started doing research. No one has a mind of their own anymore smh

  29. Philip on July 15th, 2020 6:10 pm

    For those saying bad things about Ron DeSantis, This is new territory for a free country. In the past a quaranteen was for the sick, now they are quaranteening, or mask requiring those that are not sick. There are several ways to look at this and Kay Ivey leans more like the authoritarion Michigan governor than Ron DeSantis( although neither is as power hungry as that). The Florida governor believes as I do that if I am scared of getting the virus I will not get near people without masks. But common sense is not around anymore so the sheeple need to be dictated to.

  30. Philip on July 15th, 2020 5:57 pm

    The guy who’s granddaddy fault in WW2 thinks he should not even have a “minor inconvenience” because of that. Probably the same guy that gets six inches from my bumper on the road because I am blocking his road by going 10 mph over the speed limit. I understand that masks probably do keep down the virus and I usually wear one but my question is How are they going to fine someone who is free to walk around without an ID? Do they demand cash on the spot?

  31. John Fields on July 15th, 2020 5:51 pm

    Nope, ain’t gonna happen, and she can’t make me!

  32. Matt on July 15th, 2020 5:44 pm

    @ Steve. People like you are who is driving the spread of it. Wearing a mask does help prevent the spread of the virus by containing at least most of the spray from your cough or sneezes. It’s not going to fully prevent you from catching it or anything else but it is a big help. Not wearing one at all is just plain dumb. People who don’t wear a covering just project their coughs and sneezes that much farther and infect people who are trying to protect people like you. I’m pretty sure that a world full of doctors and scientists are smarter than the average bear. You may want to try listening to them for a change or just keep yourself at home. Obviously you have no care for your fellow man.

  33. The Scott's on July 15th, 2020 5:23 pm

    Did they require everyone to wear a mask with the flu???? Don’t think so.
    There’s a bigger agenda people! Do your research…..Your rights are being taken away.

  34. Big Al on July 15th, 2020 5:07 pm

    Who going to pay for the masks The city , country or the state???

  35. Nancy Fogel on July 15th, 2020 4:38 pm

    I live in Florida….it needs to be mandatory here and in every state until we get this virus under control….again! Too many people aren’t taking it serious and after they opened up beaches, bars, and restaurants we are back, if not worse off now. I know some people don’t like the mask…may even think it doesn’t help….but, I’m 63 years old, I choose to wear it and stay home as much as I can. I DON’T WANT TO DIE yet!
    Quit griping and grow up people…..there are situations you won’t be able to wear a mask…that’s understandable. Let’s get this virus under control and hopefully a cure for it soon. I, like you, am tired of not having the “normal” lifestyle we are used too. But, I’m also willing to do whatever I have to do to protect myself and my family!

  36. Christopher Viar on July 15th, 2020 4:01 pm

    The “cure” will kill more than just letting the virus run its course.
    Look at the numbers.

  37. Vicky on July 15th, 2020 3:33 pm

    You Govener Ivey protect your people .We need our stupid Govener to do something to help Florida we just up Creek without a paddle . God Bless everyone and may the good Lord keep us safe .

  38. ALEX on July 15th, 2020 3:27 pm

    finally a little common sense. if you do not like it then stay out of Alabama. if you do not want to wear a mask then use your constitutional rights and stay home. the rest of us SHEEP will do the right thing.

    Smart
    Healthy
    Exceptionally
    Effective
    People

  39. Earl on July 15th, 2020 3:06 pm

    If DeSantis was not a mangina…he would do the same.
    But the extra pocket moeny would dry up

  40. Thomas Paine on July 15th, 2020 3:03 pm

    I never thought I’d see Kay Ivey do something I’d agree with. Maybe DeSantis can get on the stick and follow suit.

  41. Steve on July 15th, 2020 3:01 pm

    Nah.. I got a medical condition….
    One where I try to figure out why stuff dont work and why they keep trying it.
    The use of a mask does nothing if not done correctly. ANd wearing one all day and touching it and pulling it down and playing with it will result in more virus being spread by touch…
    Were as if you dont have a central source material setting on your face you are less likely to touch and or spread.. I have yet to see anyone coughing with this virus.
    SO its not being transmitted though the air.

  42. Rodchester on July 15th, 2020 3:01 pm

    She’s calling the fire dept.AGAIN after the barn has already burned down! You go girl.

  43. J-THE-G on July 15th, 2020 2:54 pm

    It’s about time someone around here takes things seriously and makes us as well. Hope its punishable with a very high fine, otherwise the people around here may try to skirt the rules.

  44. BT on July 15th, 2020 2:26 pm

    I’ll just take my business elsewhere! Me and mine aren’t going to shop where the government is taking away our freedom.

    My granddaddy fought in WW2 so that we could live free from minor inconvenience.

  45. BRING IT ON on July 15th, 2020 2:23 pm

    She’s out of her mind !!!!

  46. Chelleepea on July 15th, 2020 1:54 pm

    I gotta give it to Governor Ivey……she does what is best for the people of Alabama……