On April 28, 2020, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued an Order limiting and modifying her April 3, 2020 Stay at Home Order that is due to expire on April 30. The new Order goes into effect on April 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and is being referred to as a “safer stay at home order” that still encourages people to self-isolate at home when possible. It does, however, allow some to begin resuming normal activities and return to work. People are urged to wear masks or face coverings when around people and continue the safety protocols that have been in place (washing hands, hand sanitizer, etc.). Gatherings of more than 10 people are still forbidden and the 6 foot minimum radius is still to be enforced. In a work environment the social distancing rules also remain in place remain in place.
The Order also allows certain types of businesses to reopen with certain safeguards in place. For instance, retail establishments can reopen if they allow no more than 50 percent of the normal occupancy load determined by the fire marshal. They must also have employees available to enforce the 6 foot social distancing rule. Beaches are reopening but the 10 person and 6 foot minimum is still in place and the local communities will be enforcing the restrictions. Elective medical procedures can resume under the guidelines established by the various professional organizations and their protocols.
One area of businesses not addressed is this announcement are those businesses that are “hands on” with their customers. These include, among other businesses, entertainment venues, athletic facilities and gyms, close-contact service providers including barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail salons and spas, message therapy establishments and body art and tattoo locations, among others. The opening of these business types will apparently be discussed at a separate matter.
For churches, the presentation notes that apparently Alabama does not currently meet the CDC guidelines for reopening churches and faith-based organizations so they will remain closed as under the current guidelines.
For a full copy of the Order issued today follow this link.
